Planning a Key West trip...questions??

[dpcoyle]

I'm planning a Key West fishing trip sometime in Oct 2008 for my brother's 50th birthday. Where do I start? Looking at the map, "Key West" is a pretty large area. I know most of where I fish will probably depend on where we're staying, but I'd like to have an idea on the most obvious fishing locations in this area. We will primarily fly-fish but want the option of some spin-casting as well. Thanks

[Quicksilver]

While early rising hard core anglers will find places to fish, the beaches there are for swimmers and sunbathers. The serious fishing will be from inside boats with guides.

[Dumpcast]

Book a guide, book a guide, book a guide. Except for bridge-fishing at night and the dawn patrol, do-it-yourself fishing in Key West without a boat is tough. You can slog your way to some great oceanside flats near the air base north of the city, but be prepared to take a beating (carry a survival knife, compass, first-aid kit, and maybe a snorkel). Lots of good guides in the area. Simon Becker, with whom I have fished, is often recommended on this site, and for good reason. If you're there in late October, Key West's annual Fantasy Fest, around Halloween, is a mob scene but a great time. The parade rivals the one in Boston on First Night.

[Eddy Merckx]

It's been more than a few years since I've been in the Keys, but October is a good time for bones and there are some wade-accessible flats at Bahia Honda state park on Big Pine. Still, the best bet is what the other guys said: hire a guide.

Fantasy Fest is a trip. Lots of nekkid 50 year-old women wearing nothing but body paint, should be right up your brother's alley! :eek:

[dpcoyle]

In reading some mags and other sources, I'm getting the same info that going w/ a guide is the best bet. Thanks for the post fellas!