There is probably no other fishing area in the country that offers such a variety of fishing than the Florida Keys. There are numerous area to fish: The reef fishing, deep water/off shore fishing, bay fishing, flats fishing and what I would term, “wilderness fishing” in the ten thousand Island chain, north of the Keys and South of the Florida Peninsula. Of course, you can also add spear fishing and lobstering (in season via SCUBA or snorkel). For the most part, most of the fishing you’ll find In the Keys is not dependent upon seasons, although flats fishing is mostly productive during the winter months.
- Reef Fishing can be easily undertaken and enjoyed by a novice. There are numerous, very tasty fish such as grouper or yellow tail. Often you can take party boats or charters.
- Deep sea fishing almost always occurs with a charter operation for the tourist. There are numerous and larger game fish such as dolphin, blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, kingfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, barracuda, amberjack and shark
- Flats fishing is almost purely done for sport and the three types of fish one normally might catch are: bone fish, tarpon and red fish. These are true game fish and the fight to catch them is what it’s all about. Flats fishing almost always requires a guide with the appropriate boat and equipment.
- Fishing in the 10,000 Island chain would normally require a guide with the appropriate radio, boat and expert knowledge of the area. It is easy to get lost and ultimately, dangerous. There are a variety of fish and your access point from the Keys would be in the Key Largo area.
- Spear fishing can be done on any reef that is not in protected waters. This will be mostly in the lower and Middle Keys. There is a variety of fish to spear: hogfish, grouper, snapper and jacks
- Lobstering is subject to the state season and can be done almost anywhere during the season, In fact, in many of the bay areas on the northern sides of the Keys, lobsters can be found and taken. Where appropriate gloves. While Florida lobster do not bite, the spines on their shells can be treacherous.
Most of the time if you’re on vacation in the Keys, you’re not likely to have your own boat. In this case, whatever type of fishing you choose, will not require a license because the party boat or boat charter’s license will cover any passengers. In the event that you wish to rent a boat or have towed your own boat to the Keys, then you must definitely purchase a fishing license. If you’re not a Florida resident, a temporary of vacation fishing license can be obtained at any bait and tackle store. If you try spear fishing, you will still need a license. If you do lobstering, then a special lobster license is required on top of the regular fishing license. Word of caution: never fish without a license, the fines are stiff and the waters are patrolled! Other than the foregoing precautions, it is easy to have a safe, exciting and fun fishing vacation in the Keys.
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