Florida fishing

[Satchmo]

Cranfield:

 

Just me and my 12-year-old-boy. My budget's fairly tight, we'll only be over there about 10-12 days and I don't intend spending much time inside hotel rooms. I think we'll stick with Islamorada until I get to know the area a bit better (maybe next time).

 

12 weeks a year in Florida Keys eh! . . . . . . sigh!!!!! I'll try to hold on to that thought!

 

I looked at 'Bud N Mary's' website and the owner was very nice in responding a couple of times to my emails about accommodation. That's how I found out about Memorial Day weekend which is apparently completely mad and to be avoided. Either that or Caloosa Cove which PaulG recommended and also looks pretty good.

 

April or Mid May seem to be the ideal time combining cheap flights, accommodation and good fishing and I know a friend in the trade who gets rock bottom prices on flights.

 

Paul

[Satchmo]

Norm

AnglersNet trip to Florida Keys next year. Sounds good! We're gonna try and fit in some scuba diving on the reefs and kayaking abound the backcountry while we're there so bring your flippers!

Paul

[Satchmo]

Happy Dude:

just thinking there, you don't need to get on a boat to enjoy some great fishing,

I didn't really want to have the hassle of taking rods and tackle with me but you've got me thinking now. Maybe I'll invest in a retractable rod and take a wander round in the evenings. Are there any restrictions on where you can fish or licenses required etc.

 

Paul

[Happy Dude]

satchmo,

 

you don't need take light rods with you, just go into walmart or k-mart and you will pick up suitable combo rods and reels for fishing on the bridges and docks for peanuts, there is a huge walmart in florida city which you drive through to get to the keys, you could pick up a couple of combos for $50.00 or so, for a fortnight it's cheap rental ;o)

 

[ 30. July 2004, 12:18 AM: Message edited by: Happy Dude ]

[Newt]

Satchmo - I agree with Happy Dude. Get what you need at Wal-Mart or K-mart. If it's good enough, add in a rigid case to take stuff back with you but otherwise, just leave it. With the lower prices here and the favorable exchange rate, it won't be bad on the budget at all. They will carry suitable rods, reels, lures, etc. for the area they are located in.

 

Florida requires a license for salt water fishing and a different one for fresh water fishing. Not sure of the cost and not sure of the minimum age. 16 years is the cut-off age in most states but FL could be different.

[Paulg]

Licences for tourists to cover for two weeks were $10 each last year I think. Two licences required, one for freshwater and one for salt. I took a tele carp rod, baitrunner reel with 10lb line. Had a great time, caught loads of fish from the sea, and also had bass and catfish on float fished sausages in the lake behind our house.

 

Paul

 

[ 30. July 2004, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: Paulg ]

[Norm B]

Satchmo:

Norm

AnglersNet trip to Florida Keys next year. Sounds good! We're gonna try and fit in some scuba diving on the reefs and kayaking abound the backcountry while we're there so bring your flippers!

Paul

I'll go with the diving but paddling a boat is not for me.

[Cranfield]

Satchmo, I have PM'ed you.

 

I don,t visit the Keys that often.

I prefer the Panhandle and Louisiana coasts for the Gulf and Fort Pierce up to Charleston for the Atlantic side.

 

I would recommend never bothering to take any fishing tackle when visiting the US, or any other long haul destination.

Unless you are only going there for the purpose of fishing and its specialist gear.

 

Airports have damaged my stuff in the past, regardless of how its packed and rods have gone missing.

If you have ever claimed on Travel Insurance, you will know what a pain it is.

 

Tackle is available to borrow, rent, or even buy, when you get there.

More importantly, it will be the appropriate gear, as well.

 

[ 30. July 2004, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: Cranfield ]

[Newt]

n4lly - welcome to AN. One heck of a first post. Thank you.

[Pelyma]

Hi I'm new on here and just seen this topic. I can reccommend several boats in the keys. The Kalex skippered by Alex Adler at Bud 'n' Mary's is a great boat, but not cheap. Winter is best for sail fish but it can be a bit lumpy! Late Summer is good general fishing with the chance of sails, marlin, tuna, cobia etc as well as reef fishing, you have to bear in mind it is a big boat so its not cheap, but it is very good. At Bahia Honda/ Marathon are the Rode Runner boats, they fish full or half days mainly near 7 mile bridge for tarpon on live mullet. The fishing is good but the sharks are a nuicsance, it is galling to see a 60lb fish bitten in 2 at the side of the boat by big bull and hammer heads; particularly when people are swimming nearby. Rode Runner offer a tarpon guarantee, if you don't catch the next trip is on them.

 

Down in Key West is a guy called Al Saville who offers a guarantee in tarpon time, catch an 80lb tarpon or no charge - he has never paid out! He tarpon fishes with small dead bait bought off the shrimp boats and chums the fish. My father and I had 4 fish, 3 about 120 -150lb and a small 60lber on 16lb line - he is awesome and well worth the money. If you get hold of Salt water Sportsman or the Florida fishing magazines there are loads of adverts. Having fished a fair bit abroad I reckon the Keys are probably the best alround venue with great boats and skippers who try really hard.

 

Hope this helps