Florida Keys

Destination Fishing

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Many anglers seek warm weather angling destinations when they find themselves struggling to find fish during these colder seasons. And fishing the Florida Keys maybe the answer to that interruption for many of these anglers. That hundred mile string of islands has always been a huge draw because of the mild winter climates and abundance of species.

Regardless whether its structure, shallow water, or reef fishing, the experiences in the Florida Keys is one for the memory books. Structure fishing has become very popular in the keys even for the typical novice angler. And with over forty two bridges and well over hundred miles of shorelines, there is no shortage of places for either the casual or passionate angler to try their luck or secure an enough for a meal.

The standard skill sets used elsewhere for successful fishing should continue to apply here regardless of type of fishing. These will always include: know when to fish, where to fish, how to fish, what to use, how fish respond under certain conditions. But the most important and an angler’s best friend is know the tides and structure.

Gear and equipment are also crucial to a successful outing. Most local “keys” species are toothy and are considered predator. Any gear weakness will be exposed. Use only the top of the line gear – this is not the place for the angler to skimp.

Fishing a Florida Keys bridge is a unique experience. Conditions can change frequently under these structures. It can take weeks or even months to master these channels and the water flows. Trial and error, exchanging ideas with other anglers on the bridges and tackle shops, and even sacrificing a few rigs jig just to locate a couple of bottom snags is worth the cost most anglers pay for this indoctrination.

But many times, it’s that five pound sheepshead or mangrove snapper or even that dancing tarpon that make spending the afternoon experimenting and learning all worthwhile.

Look in future entries on various gear and equipment techniques that have made my many bridge fishing trips successful.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Know the Rules

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Fishing in Florida during the colder months can be an extremely rewarding experience if you know the rules. Now we are not talking about the rules and regulations on creel and bags limits. Although knowledge of these regulations are mandatory in every region, it’s the small subtitles that can make a difference of success for the visiting angler.

We hear all the time that fishing is the same regardless where you fish. But in Florida that can’t be further from the truth. The various species are stealth and they spook very easily. And catching them can test even the most passionate angler.

There several interesting techniques that can increase the potential for success.

Know your target. Some of the most important items to be aware of when fishing in Florida is to know your targets specific tendencies. Temperature preference, tide phases, feeding habits, and movements and means of comfort and hideaways are important tips that help the angler. Being familiar with these can help improve your success potential

Match the hatch is probably the second most important tip to remember. Many species are creatures of habit and they will feed on the most plentiful and easiest bait available. So the best way to increase the success rate is use a lure or bait that is similar to what’s in the water. Color is also important but it’s the contrast and presentation technique that can have more influence. The key: mimic the food source and try to “BE THE BAIT”.

Downsize your gear. The lighter the gear the easier it is to place the bait in the proper location, present it naturally and then feel the bite. Minimize any foreign objects from the environment. Anything outside the lure should appear natural. So use the lightest leader materials, limit you connections to only small knots and avoid any type of metal on your tackle or baits.

Technique and Presentation. Regardless of your lure or bait selection, it’s the natural presentation that can make all the difference. The retrieval technique can make the difference between a strike and spooking your target. Remember, most strikes occur during a pause in any retrieve when the prey is most vulnerable.

Change it up. Some anglers will switch their salt to fresh water gear to encourage the strike. Modifying baits such as adding a rattle or cutting a slice from a plastic swim bait that mimics a wounded fish may spark the interest of a feeding fish. As a general rule, “change is always good”.

Although there are dozens of other techniques, I have found these to help increase my catch rate.

Never be satisfied with the basic package, experiment and challenge yourself and you will not be disappointed.

Until Next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Fishing the Florida Keys on Foot

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Fishing on foot in the Florida Keys gives the angler many different opportunities to experience a unique fishery not found anywhere else. The Florida Keys boast over forty-two bridges with casting platforms and over a hundred miles of easily accessible shoreline where the angler can try their luck. And occupying these venues, anglers will find hundreds of different species of fish resulting in no shortage of saltwater targets.

Fishing on foot is one of the easiest and most popular type of fishing in the Keys. And even though it doesn’t require any special gear, the angler should be prepared for many unforeseen hazards before venturing out to any of these locations.

Anglers should use the same planning scheme when fishing in the Keys as they would in their home waters. They should become familiar with bag and creel limits and any special regulations applicable to the new area.

Bridges and elevated platforms offer the best opportunity for angling success. Moving water attracts many species of fish close to these structures in search of bait. And the tremendous amounts of water flow between the Florida Bay and Atlantic Ocean during the changing tides makes for a hot bed for both predator and prey.

Coral rock and rubble often line the base of many bridges and abutments adding to the turbulence.

These structures can also provide safety for many species but unfortunately add to the frustration when anglers cast too close and get caught in the debris.

This chaotic configuration of structures and easy access makes for the “perfect storm” resulting in an outstanding fishery.

Shorelines and rock seawalls also offer a similar opportunity to catch fish. Sandy bottoms and grass flats can extend hundreds of yards out from the water’s edge. Many bait fish will find protection in both the grass flats and under the thick shoreline vegetation. Both small and larger species can be found searching these areas for food. So anglers should focus their attention on areas that include both distance and close proximity to the shoreline.

Occasionally, anglers may want to wade into the flats but extreme caution should be taken if they are not completely familiar with the area. Swift water and deep holes can cause the angler to lose their footing and fall into the water

So regardless of whether the angler chooses a bridge or shoreline, they will experience nature at its finest. Most anglers typically catch something, others are lucky enough to catch dinner and a select few may catch that trophy where memories are made from.

One note of caution – The Keys is an open wildlife preserve with many wild creatures. These creatures make dens around many of the bridge abutments, the rock jetties and the mangrove shorelines. Extreme care should always be taken to keep your distance from any wildlife.

Shortly, we will be discussing which gear and various techniques that work best on bridges and shorelines. So check back soon.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony