So, I became accustomed to the crystal clear reef water and the huge fish catches that were made. To me it was the norm. To visitors who came down for a Florida Keys fishing trip, it was anything but the norm.
So let’s look at Florida Keys fishing today and see how someone can come down and be successful on a fishing trip.
The Geography
The Florida Keys run from the tip of Florida at Homestead for about 120 miles to Key West. There are additional uninhabited islands that stretch beyond Key West, but no roads extend to them. Key West is where Henry Flagler chose to end his famous overseas railroad.From the top of the keys at Key Largo to Key West there are numerous bridges and passes that intersect and divide the islands. Coral reefs on the Atlantic side run the length of the keys about two miles off the beach. Beyond the outside edge of the reef, water depths drop quickly as the Gulf Stream currents run north. This is where you can be fishing in the Gulf Stream and still see people on the beach at times. The stream is almost always close enough to the reef that buildings and trees are clearly visible. That means a short run to some fantastic fishing.
On the bay side of the islands water depths rarely exceed 10 feet, all the way across Florida Bay to the mainland. Shallow flats with cuts and channels marked only by small stakes, make running a boat here a challenge. But those same flats are home to myriad shallow water species that avid anglers pursue.
The Weather
While the keys are a true tropical paradise, don’t be fooled into thinking that the weather never changes. In the summer, huge thunderstorms can build up in the afternoon and cause you to rethink that afternoon fishing. Hurricanes are always a threat, albeit a known threat that can easily be avoided.In the winter, cold fronts can and do cross the keys. I am here to tell you that you will be colder after a 40 degree cold front passes in the keys than you ever have in a snow storm in the north. There is just something that happens that makes people feel a lot colder. And, these fronts can really shut down the fishing.
But, the majority of the time, the keys are just what the Chamber of Commerce says they are – a beautiful place to vacation.
Guides
I cannot tell you how many requests I receive asking me to recommend a guide or charter boat. I know a lot of guides on the keys. I know a lot of charter boat captains. But I have made it my policy to avoid recommending anyone. I try to list the good ones on my site under Florida Charters and Guides, but even that does not guarantee that you will have a great experience. Even the best of guides can have a bad day.But, know this – there are a ton of guides on the keys and that many charter boats as well. Almost all of them are reputable, capable guides who know the grounds they fish and can give you a great day on the water. Plan ahead and reserve a date or dates if you plan a trip to the keys. The better guides stay booked months in advance, especially during the winter months.
