I am going to the keys for my first time to visit my fishing partner and do a little fishing. He recently moved down there, and I have never been down there. I am looking for any ideas to try to find some bones, the catch being that we only have access to kayaks, and brown cadilacs (wading shoes). Advice on flies to take, leader tippet set-up and areas that would be accessible by kayak or wading would be greatly appreciated. We will be in the vicinity of Islamorada, but an hour or two drive would not be out of the question. Unfortunately both of our current situations puts a guide well outside of our current means.
John
Bonefish numbers at all time low in isla area… Still common in lower keys and biscayne… You might be better off fishing for resident tarpon in channels at dawn, they will be fairly obvious.
That being said, the bonefish in isla area are still biggest in world.
There arent many wadeable flats in isla., stay in your yak, try the flats on oceanside of snake creek, or the bayside on western end of lower matecumbe. Always did best on low rising tide at dusk or dawn. 12ft 12lb leaders should be perfect. Go to www.floridakeysoutfitters.com for ideas on flies. Make sure you have unweighted versions for the spooky tailers and crawlers a kayak allows you to see.
Look for permit on channel edges at higher tide phases, especially if fishing around new or full moon, use a heavy merkintype fly
Good Luck!
Newman
www.gtownkingfisher.com
good luck down there, you will love it! Go to the BPS store Saltwater Angler down there and I am sure you can get some local knowledge or the Green Turtle Inn (Fla Keys Outfitters I think).
As for set up, 8 or 9wt 12-15 ft leaders with flouro. the bone fish flies I used down there were a lighter color (but local flies can be purchased down there). The wind is going to blow so get ready and maybe you can get your yak in a position to throw down wind. It will be difficult to spot bones from the water level in the yak, so maybe you can stand or see some tails.
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Far better it is to dare mighty things to win glorious triumphs even though checkered with failure, than to take ranks with those poor spirits who never enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Thanks for the information guys. I appreciate it.
JohnH0802
Docklights at night!!! Some hold fish, some don’t. Better if they have moving water. The best ones I’ve come across have populations of 5-15 lb tarpon and crevalle jacks on them and they will eat all night long. Bring a wide selection of tarpon flies. The fish will take a certain pattern for a while, then shut off on it. Tie on a different one, wham! If you want, PM me and I’ll trade you the location of my top night tarpon fishing spot in the keys (its an hour and half from where you will be) for the location of one of your red flats where you are always nailing them on the fly.
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