Fishing in the Keys

[Jorge]

I'm new to this, bear with me! Will be in the Keys mid-June. Like to know if I can get any bonefish without a boat. Probably go as far as Marathon. Love to catch anything on the fly, bonefish, jacks, barracuda...

[Sparky]

Absolutely. My best (disclosable) shore spot for bones is Long Key State Park. June will be a great time to fish it, though probably better in the Morning and evening. I used to park a couple hundred yards down the road at the water tower, then walk into the park. Once, I got the Ranger to tell me the combination to the gate so I could drive right in.

Just drive straight to the waterside camp sites. Right when you reach the water is the best spot. I've had multiple fish evenings there. It's awesome. I get skunked about 66% of the time though.

Check it out. You might see other fish. There are some cudas there, and a few little sharks.

Check it out and let us know how you do. I should add that the bst thing you could ever do for yourself in the keys is hire a guide. Worth every penny. The keys is serious fly fishing -- very difficult educated fish!

Thorne


Thorne Sparkman, Publisher<BR>Reel-Time: the Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing<BR>http://www.reel-time.com<BR>-- sparky@reel-time.com -

[Jorge]

Thanx for the reply!!! Come to New Zealand and I'll tell you one myself!!

[wahoofly]

I am going to the Keys on the 17-23, and I am going to try some tarpon on the fly rod. If you are going offshore the schoolie, or big, dolphin are very fun! You could go after the schoolie dolphin with the same outfit as the one for bonefish. Around docks I saw many barracuda in the 2-15 pound range. The barracuda like poppers and streamer flies. I also saw a lot of barracuda near the bridge at Hawks Cay. What key are you staying on?

[Jorge]

sorry about the late reply! Like the sound of those barracuda around the docks! Notsure which key we'll be at...maybe go as far as Marathon...you fishin' alone??

[wahoofly]

I am mainly going to be fishing alone, unless I go offshore. Inshore I am going to be alone, I plan to be spending a lot of time looking for those big barracuda. Last year I threw some dead 'hoos in the water, and I had about every fish in the area under the dock. Try that! Maybe see you down there!

[wahoofly]

I am going to be staying at Duck Key.

[saltyflyer]

Just read your post & I am in the same situation as you. I will be staying in Conch key June 7 thru 21. Maybe we can get together and exchange ideas and information and do a little fishing.

[Jorge]

Thanks for the reply....wouldn't have a clue where we'll end up (my non-fishing wife will be with me!). I may have a go at the bones but happy to catch any damn thing, esp. jacks or cuda on the fly. Think we'll probably go as far as Marathon, unless wife get's bored and then maybe all the way to Key West.

[saltyflyer]

Great hearing from you. My wife & I will be staying (From the 7th thru the 14th at the
Bay View Inn Resort
3 North Conch Ave.
Conch Key, Mile Marker 63
(800) 289-2055

When you get settled, if you want, leave a message for Val at the front desk as to where we can make contact or meet.
I guess we are in the same boat as my wife does not fish either.

[Jorge]

Where's Conch Key??? We will probably go to Marathon...not sure, my wife and I are just sorta cruising.Be great to have a fishing mate!

[saltyflyer]

Conch Key is just before you reach Marathon. Just look for the mile markers. Bay View Inn is located around mile marker 63. It will be great to make a new friend & have someone to talk and go fly fishing. I have been talking to people that go to the keys alot and they say that June is the perfect time for Tarpon. Especially Tarpon in the 15 to 40 pound range on the shallow flats. Can't wait to wet my flies.

[Jorge]

Hey Salty,
Couldn't get this damn thing to work the other night. Had to do a new post. Anyhow, looks like we're gonna miss each other. I don't arrive till 18 June. Is that place your staying a nice place??

[saltyflyer]

Going to be in the keys till the 21st or 23rd. I might not be staying at the same place. It depends on the wife. As far as The Bay View inn is concerned, I have done a lot of research and they seem to have the best offer for the nicest rooms. I have never been there myself but I talked to the owners and they seem nice. They said it was a mom & pop operation and they gave me the impression it's a nice quiet place. It might be worth giving them a call at (800) 289-2055 or (305) 289-1525. One way or another, we'll try to get together. If all else fails, I will leave a message as to where I will be staying with the Florida Outfitters in Islamorada and you can call in and get the information.

[Jorge]

salty, thanks for the reply. This forum thingie seems to have a bug...hard to leave posts sometimes...I'll check for messages and will check out motel....

[saltyflyer]

Jorge, it's getting close. Can't wait to get down there and wet some flies. I hope the weather cooperates. I have been extremely busy tying all types of both Tarpon & Bonefish flies. I'm going to use this last week prior to departure to ty up some Cuda and Jack flies. Although I hear that Jacks will hit just about anything. I have been doing some research on the web & found some articles on going it alone in the keys. It should interesting. I'm also looking foward at stopping at some of the fly shops along the way. I feel the need for a new 8 weight rod. I test casted a loomis Glx and fell in love.
Take care and talk to you soon.

[Jorge]

salty,
this damn forum seems to have problems...hard to post. e-mail me at jorgelupe@hotmail.com. Bonefish flies: what's a good simple pattern??? Jorge