Which Key is the best for fishing in the Florida Keys?

Question

Any suggestions? I hear Deer Key or right before Shark Channel...

Answer 1

This really depends on WHAT you are fishing for, and how much of a "boat-ride" you want to take?

Generally, Marathon is in the middle of all the "good stuff"; "Flats" to the South, Mangrove-Swamp's to the North, and various "offshore" reefs East & West.

If you want to stay out of the crowds, and still have opportunitys to catch some cool "Flats-action" stay further South at Big Pine or Little Torch.

Generally, Get on the Flats EARLY(5-6 AM) and fish til around 10-10:30 AM,(Permit, Bones, Etc are "spookier" as the sun rises high!). Depending on tide, after 10ish hit the channels, bridges, and canals. (KEY word in the "Keys" is CHUM. Remember, if all else fails you can ALWAYS catch a few of the Mangrove Snapper population that thrive like mosquito's every-where. I once watched a Cuban family pull numerous LARGE, good-eat'in size M-Snapper out of a channel using chum & handlines ONLY! By the 8-9th FAT M-Snapper I walked over and "introduced myself" and through some broken English, and a couple "Ice-break'in" Beers, they taught me the ropes on stick'in Snapper. TRUST ME! Chum is "key".)

Parmer's Resort on Little Torch is a cool place to stay for weary fishermen. It doesn't have all the "bells & whistles" some resorts have but it IS in a great location for fishing!

FYI:
Remember that when your "dealin'" with Parmer's Resort NOT to be a Mainlander "dick". Islanders are super friendly and nice but can "smell" bad attitude a mile away. Keys folk like to be "sauced" by 4:30 so they can watch the sunset "properly". (LOL) If you walk into the lobby and act offended by a "drink or 7" you just might get a room facing the garbage cans!

In other words, BE COOL!

(Interesting story: ME and my Dad would plan fishing trips to the Keys every year. One year, we decided to give Parmers a shot.

When we arrived in the lobby to get our room, a 40-something married couple from Maine were raising HELL with the proprieter "because the room wasn't big enough" and didn't have internet access. The owner was calm & friendly when he told them "sorry"! LOL

Me & Dad told the owner to "just give us what- ever he had available" because we were just fishermen lookin for a place to crash between "reel-time". We got to chattin about fishing and nearby good places to eat Etc ,and GUESS WHAT? After he gave us a tour of the facility's, he ended up giving us a CABIN on the water for no extra charge!

All because we weren't "*******" about "No Shampoo"! (lol)

Anyway, it's a nice secluded resort with tons of atmoshpere.

Hope this helps ya some-how? Good luck!

Answer 2

As the other man said, it is cheaper and easier for a traveler to just take the headboat out to Molasses reef for a couple hours of fishing. There are also cattle boats for snorkeling. But be careful with those. You have to know a little what you are doing, and know how to protect yourself to be safe in the water. Many get hurt OR LEFT BEHIND IN THE WATER. If you get in the water ... always wear nothing like jewelry that flashes. I hate those Cudas and they are everywhere. If there ask around for places where you can feed the pet Tarpon. That is really cool. But as I said " keepa u hands outta da wader ". Look in the shadow of the dock, see that Cuda, yeah easily a six footer that would really like to take your hand off quick just like a bolt of lightning. You wouldn't even have time to flinch. And you do not just reach over the side of a boat and rinse your hands off. That being said also be careful about being arrested on your "Spring Break " The Holiday Isle party spot is owned by the sheriff and his brothers, by the way. The cops are certainly looking forward to meeting you. Florida is known as the most policed state in the U.S. and from experience I would certainly agree. It makes my skin crawl when out in public. Also, be aware concealed weapons and firearms are very prevalent. I have lived in parts of this state where 70% of the people who opened their wallet to pay for something had the firearm permit. Men, Women, and young people. Know when to walk away. So, be smarter then the average bear, and keep your money for drinks, instead of bail. OK ?

Answer 3

I spent the summer working in Miami a couple of years ago and most of the people I talked to suggested Key Largo

Answer 4

I fish Marathon. It's got the best combination of flats, reefs, and deep water for my money.

Islamorada is known as the fishmen's paradise, and there's alot to be said for that, but if you want a place with a taste of everything that the carribbean has to offer I'd go to Marathon.

Answer 5

the one that starts the big fishing boat up if you can afford it hope this helps

Answer 6

MARATHON