The family and I have talked about it for a couple of years and have finally decided to do it. We are heading to Key Largo in July and plan on taking the boat. We found a nice house on a canal with dockage that leads out into Largo Sound. With that in mind, input from anyone that has any expertise/experience Keys fishing would be appreciated. My son would love to catch a tarpon and for some reason, really wants to catch a cuda. My wife is more interested in catching something good to eat.
Thanks
My family and my best friend’s family go down to Islamorada just about yearly for fishing/diving.Tarpon seem to accumulate around bridge pilings and other similiar structure. They seem to like shiny lures. As far as’cuda go they are everywhere. Found myself in a group of a dozen or so 5-6 footers while scuba diving under Alligator Reef light once. Many smaller ones swimming around with wire leaders coming out of ther mouth. Be very careful when crossing the shallows.It is frowned apon to tear up the vegetation…there are always visible propeller scars through the bottom caused by props. Watch your markers…especially the ones placed by locals because they show navigable areas (especially leaving or entering canals). Go out a few miles and troll like you would here…same bait, etc. Caught some nice Kings and dolphin last trip.Make the trip to Bass Pro Shop and try not to melt the credit card (it’s also a great place to talk with local guides, etc to get additional info).Manatees have the right of way.
If you would really like to increase your odds on the Tarpon hook up…Try it at night…Pinfish or small crabs.
spent a lot of time there the past couple of years.seemed like more scouting than serious ■■■■■■■■■■ the east side largo sound for bones on incoming tide.canal that leads to buttonwood/fla bay,both ends in the evenings for snook.also big strong jacks.fun.west side of canal north lot of tarpon,though it will be a little late.keep a rod rigged w/tube lure and rip it across inshore grass flats for small cuda/oceanside for big boys.permit also on oceanside flats.for fun fishing,good eating,chum canals,cuts to the sound/bay,nearshore reefs for lots of snappers[mainly mangroves].took my boat from everglades to 4-5 mi offshore.[18ft actioncraft]don’t forget to buy a good map.[west marine]and of couse trout and reds.but you could prob catch more here.good luck.
Thanks Guys, that was the kind of info I was looking for. We are pumped about our trip and really hoping to catch something while there.
Pick up a Top Spot map from the Offshore Angler in Islamorada. It will keep you out of no motor areas and it shows well known fishing spots.