Key West in February

[baldwin]

Anyone have any advice for flyfishing Key West in February from shore or in the water? Locations, flies, species, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Capt.ChrisLembo]

There is really very little fishing from shore in KW. and less for FF.

White Street Pier: Spin gear- Cudas,Nurse Sharks, Mangrove Snapper, small Sharks, the water is about 4-5 feet deep all around the pier and is mostly sandy /grassy bottom. Use shrimp.

Ft. Zachary Taylor- Seawall should have snapper.

Seawall along S.Roosevelt near Airport- Cudas, small sharks, small Mangrove Snapper.

The fishable flats are located a good boat ride from anywhere in Key West. Most are to the north and west. Most of the shore flats are muddy and not wadeable. You can fish off any of the bridges.

At MM10 turn down Boca Chica Rd and go to end. You can fish a little there but there is not much to catch.

Tarpon are in the Harbor all year long. You will find them at night under the lights. Spin gear with live shrimp. Small ones. Most of the good lighted areas are on the CG or Navy bases which you cannot access by land. Again you really need a boat for this as you need to search along about a 3/4 mile of shoreline in front of base, hotels, restaurants etc...

KW is not a "shore friendly fishery" you are better off spending the time at a bar or Teaser's.

[flies only]

baldwin,the wall by the airport is pretty good walk up the promenade away from the airport and their is some mangroves to cast to. i would still hire a guide for at least a half of day. i caught about a dozen fish off that wall but it was 3 days of chococalte milk the other day becuse of wind. you will definetly have more shots in a boat. hope this helps ,capt john

[baldwin]

Thank you for your replies. They'll help.
George