Hey everyone? my wife and I are going down in July and plan to rent a boat so we can do some fishing. Can anyone make any suggestions on what we should go after, techniques, and anyone know if surf fishing is good there? I’ve never been to the keys before but I have plenty of fishing experience both salt and fresh water. Thanks and God Bless, Brian Herring
York SC CTO
www.teamcto.org
Is it any wonder Jesus choose Fisherman for his disciples?
www.SCFCAOutdoors.com
Hey Coach…Marathon is a great place, and of course once your down there the other locations are only a short drive away. Marathon is the home of the 7 mile bridge and structure is a prime ingredient for catching fish. The 2 general areas to fish are offshore and back country. Essentially a choice between fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or fishing in the Everglades. Dolphin fishing will probably be generally good in July, and the spot tails(redfish), trout and snook species will be available in the back country. In my opinion save the money on the boat rental and charter a couple of trips. You could do one offshore and one backcountry, and believe me the fishing regulations in the keys are confusing and the fines are outrageous. Florida fish and game wardens are notorious for being aggressive enforcers. You are going during the hot weather, and as a result the fishing will be affected by that. A charter captain can make a huge difference when you are there fishing the slower season. One thing I’ll bring to your attention is that there is a 3 day lobster season usually in late July. Check into it and you may want to charter a lobster trip if you are there then. Snorkeling for lobsters is a unique and fun alternative to fishing in the heat. As far as surf fishing goes, forget it. Ultra small beaches, lots of private property, and I don’t see it as a type of fishing that the locals support. Take a trip to Cape Hatteras for surf fishing, you’ll love it. It’s the surf fishing mecca of the Southern East Coast.
Sol Mate
Mako 20B
225 Optimax
We fish the reefs out of Islamorada for yellowtails. Chum, chum, chum and then chum some more. I would imagine such fishing is the same in Marathon. Bridge fishing at night can be interesting.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Caught this off the wall in Marathon.Stop at Fish tales market and order the johnnys rambler. Bridge fishing is enjoyable and a charter is a good idea.I couldn’t stay without access to a boat.
‘87 Pacemaker 31’ SF
‘04 Renegade 29’ 2 225’s
‘97 Maycraft 17’ 40 hp
just got back from my 3rd trip. Charter is def the way to go. Went out with Chris Morrison and brought home about 20 dolphin and a snowy. The other 3 days we fished we ended up with a ton of bait stealing reef fish, a jack (while tarpon fishing) and a couple trigger fish. Couldn’t hook up with a tarpon this year to save our life, even though the guide 1 pier down from us under the bridge caught 3 in half a day using the same set ups we were fishing.
Also MattC, is a topless lady taking that picture? if so, you’re doing it right.
Thanks everyone? I will end up saving your replays and using your ideas. Would any of you know a good place to rent a center console? Thanks again
Is it any wonder Jesus choose Fisherman for his disciples?
York SC CTO
www.teamcto.org
We rented a boat from these folks and were very pleased with the boat and the service. We rented one of the 22’ CC’s, but they have some larger ones as well.
I’ve used these guys several times.
http://www.fishnfunrentals.com/
Jay
Pheonix 29 Sportfish (Lagniappe)
Shamrock 20 Cuddy (Cuda Catcher)
Key West 1520 Explorer (Baby Boat)
DFreedom has the right answer. Trolling down there doesn’t hold a candle to trolling here. If you are looking for solid action, go with a charter. You’ll catch more fish on a half day charter than you will on a full day with the boat rental. That being said, it’s fun to rent a boat and explore a new area. Down there it’s not hard to find “fish”. As DFreedom says, look around until you find some sort of reef structure and run chum bags off the back. Fish light tackle and let some dead glass minnows and live shrimp drift in your chum line on a hook. You will catch yellowtails, mangroves, cero mackerals, and other random species. Just make sure you aren’t fishing in a preserve.
Lobster won’t be open (unless you hit the mini season days), but it’s also fun to do some snorkeling. Plenty to see in 10’ of water on the Atlantic side. You will see lot’s of hogfish, tropicals, angels, parrot fish, eagle rays, nurse sharks, red\gag\black\nassau grouper, puddingwife, yellowjack, mangroves, etc. There is a preserve that you can snorkel at Sombrero light just out of Marathon. Easy to find and navigate.