Fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Redfish and Trout

Key Largo Florida is the first of the Florida Keys as you drive south from Miami. For many it is the only stop as they consider the waters around Key Largo to be amongst the finest in the world for diving. If your vacation is all about scuba, snorkeling, or fishing, Key Largo Florida has everything you need within a short drive from Miami International Airport or even Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

The Florida Keys have become a popular destination for Americans looking for a tropical vacation without leaving their own country. Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys is a water lover’s paradise. Just offshore Key Largo is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the largest living coral reef in the United States. Reefs and shipwrecks attract divers and snorkelers to Key Largo, while deep sea fishermen flock to the area in search of more than 200 varieties of fish found in local waters. Fishing is premium here! The area abounds in game fish and they may be caught in any number of venues. There are many charters, guides and rentals.  Key Largo boasts over 10% of all IGFA fishing world records.

Backcountry Slam – Snook-Redfish-Trout

Snook - The local backcountry offers some excellent Snook fishing. The average size is 5 to 9 pounds and 24-34 inches. You will find them around bridges, mangroves, pilings just about any structure. They eat Mullet, Shrimp, Pilchards, Pinfish and a multitude of artificial lures or combinations of live and dead bait.

 Redfish - Redfish love the warm waters of south Florida, the oyster beds, mangroves, and grassy flats are their regular haunts. They are prolific, and definitely not timid when it comes to eating - Which makes them a great sport fish for light tackle and fly-fishing. Redfish are often seen "tailing" (very similar to bonefish) on the shallow flats as they feed.

Seatrout - Seatrout are frequently targeted from December to April. When fishing for them you can use the old standby a popping cork rig with a shrimp or artificial hanging below the cork. Remember Pop the cork Sea Trout come to the gurgling sound the cork makes.Sea Trout are found over grassy bottom and in the"muds" that is muddy areas where the bait is routing in the bottom stirring up shrimp and small fishes.

Flats Slam – Bonefish-Tarpon-Permit

Bonefish (“Grey Ghost”) - Known for very fast and very long first runs, this is probably the species most synonymous with Florida flats fishing. There is a reason why they are called "gray ghost of the flats" and are a real light tackle challenge. Here in the Keys, bonefish generally average in the 6 to 8 pound range with fish of 10 to 12 or larger not uncommon. They are usually fished in water less than two feet deep, and sometimes are seen so shallow that their tails and dorsal fins show as they root out food from the bottom. This is called "tailing" and is the most demanding of angler skills. Bonefish prefer water temperatures over 72 degrees, but can sometimes be found in slightly cooler conditions.

Tarpon (“Silver King”) - These incredible fish offer the ultimate in a shallow water big game fish. During the spring migrations, fish can average from 80 to over 150 pounds. They can be found rolling and feeding in deep backcountry finger channels, in shallow grassy basins or along the edges of bars and flats in 4 to 6 feet of water. Tarpon tend to prefer water temps in the mid 70's for the channels and usually need 78-79 degrees for the flats. The big fish are here in good to excellent numbers from March through July and small tarpon 8-20 pounds are here year-round, disappearing during cold fronts in winter.

Permit - The permit is a very strong and hard fighting fish, averaging 8 to 16 pounds. Fish in the 20 to 35 pound range are common with fish to near 50 pounds showing fairly often. They seem to tolerate slightly cooler and slightly warmer conditions than the bones, and are also here all year with February thru November probably being most productive. Permit are usually found in waters less than 3 to 4 feet deep and will also float in channels or off flat edges in calm situations.

The 'flats' surround all of the Florida Keys.  A flat is a shallow area or sandbar that has grass on it mixed with sand or it can be a hard bottom with coral upcroppings. Fish go to hunt for food in these areas.  Through the years flats fishing has gained popularity as being the sport fisherman's golf game.  Backcountry or flats fishing is usually a more relaxed experience than offshore fishing. The best back country fishing guides have a special blend of talent, knowledge and skill as they pilot you into the wilderness of the Keys and mangrove shorelines of the Florida Bay or the Gulf.  Fly fishing, light tackle fishing, bone fishing and tarpon fishing - all good choices for Florida Keys and Key West backcountry fishing.

Licensing

Here in Florida, a saltwater fishing license is required for most residents and non-residents who intent to attempt to take, or possess fish while on the water. Licenses may be purchased at local bait shops, or from state or county tax offices. The following exceptions only do not need licensing:

Any individual under 16 years of age.

Any Florida resident fishing in saltwater from land or from a structure fixed to land

Individuals fishing from a licensed fishing boat or pier

Any person 65 years of age or older who has a valid Florida driver's license or Florida voter registration card

Any Florida resident who is a member of the Armed forces, while home of leave for 30 days or less (with valid leave papers in their possession

Note that all other persons fishing in saltwater off the Florida shores are required to have a valid license in their possession...

What saltwater fish can you expect to land when fishing Key Largo? Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Shark, Redfish, Snook, and Spotted Seatrout are a few of the more sought-after species. Just a few miles out from the Florida Keys, the dolphin fishing action is explosive; sailfish, tuna, and wahoo are regularly landed, too.

 If you're unfamiliar with the waters of the Florida Keys, we recommend hiring one of the many excellent Key Largo fishing charters.

Key Largo backcountry fishing takes you to the Florida Bay waters, and the Everglades National Park system.

Charter Fishing Tips

Who's going? Is everyone fishing? Find out who in your party is ready for the trip and get a head count. Is everyone fishing or are some just tagging along to get some sun or to watch other bring in the big one. This will be an important question to ask prior to booking the Charter. Note: a Charter runs from 4 to 8 hours on the open Water so for those who have difficulty with the motion of the Boat remember there is no turning back because the others on the Boat paid to go fishing and time is money for the Captain. Get some motion sickness medicine before heading out.

 What's your Budget? Great everyone is coming! Now we need to prepare for what we are willing to spend. A lot will depend on the type of fishing you plan on doing. Fishing Guides (fish inland and coastal Waterways) can take out one to three people and prices can range from $120 to $550 per day per trip. Private Fishing Charter (fish on large inland Waterways, coastal bays and off-shore) will let you rent the Boat with a full-crew for a half day or full day with prices ranging from $250 to $1200 per day per trip for up to six people at a time. Now the least expense Charter Fishing adventure is in way of what they call a "Head Boat" or a Deep Sea Fishing Boat head off-shore due to there size; can take out 20 to 60 people at a time and charge $30 to $80 per person. Note: pricing depends on the seasonality of the location; for example: Florida and the Caribbean in the winter months will be at premium rates versus summer months. Also ask what the price includes such as gas, gratuities, any taxes or fees, bait, drinking water, etc... if there is nothing included in the price find out the extras.

Start Shopping!  What type of fishing are you looking for - inland and coastal Waterways or off-shore? A Fishing Guide will be the one to take you out on inland and coastal Waterways including backcountry fishing. The advantage a Guide has is there is only 2 or 3 people on the Boat, less rocking motion on the Water then off-shore or large bays and there is more to see and explore. Charter Fishing Captain would be the one to take you out off-shore in the deep blue ocean. The advantage a Charter Rental has is more people with bait in the Water the more opportunity to catch fish, catch larger fish including sharks, off-shore Boats are larger with typically a head (toilet), beverage bar/snacks and you’ll usually catch a quantity of fish not always quality. Which do you prefer? Go with the one that is right for you.

Once you find a Guide or Charter ask some questions... This is a sure way of not missing anything and choosing the right Charter or Guide prior to cutting the check and making the commitment.

Is there any cost for someone who isn't fishing but wants to ride along?

Are you kid friendly?

Is the boat in compliance with Coast Guard and state safety regulations?

In the event of bad weather, is the deposit (if any) refundable?

Is a fishing license required?

Is a head (bathroom) on-board?

Do you have or sell beverages on-board?

Are cooler allowed with your own food and drink?

Is it catch and release or can we keep a legal catch?

Can you fillet the catch and if so is there a fee?

Can I bring my own fishing tackle?

Quantity or Quality? Inform them of your preference.

Once you write down these responses it up to you on whether a Guide or Charter is right for you. If you don't feel comfortable with their responses, keep searching for another Guide or Charter.

Book it! Congratulations you found the right Charter, now let's guarantee the date and time. But before you cut the check and make the commitment find out about the deposit and cancellation policy. How much deposit is required to hold the Boat and if you need to cancel or change your date what is the latest you can do this without forfeiting your deposit? Note: most Charters don't accept credit cards; only cash and some will take a personal check. Ask before showing up at the dock with your plastic; this could be your shortest fishing trip ever!

What to Bring with you... Charter Boats and Guides will bring the basics such as fishing equipment, tackle, ice and bait and even some will provide food and beverages (check this out before packing for the day) so here are essentials you can be without:

Sunscreen is a must - even under shade the glare from the Water can burn you.

Camera - you must record the big one! And of course the great experience you have.

Weather appropriate outerwear - check the weather forecast before heading out.

Sunglasses & hat or visor - this will help with the glare; try polarized glasses this allows you too see just below the surface.

Food - plenty of snacks and a big lunch to keep the energy up.

Cooler - bring Water but really at the end of the day you need something to bring your catch home.

And just in case - motion sickness medication.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (sneakers or croc's are fine)

Catch & Release or can you bring Fish home? This is entirely up to you. Are you in it for the sport or are you looking for dinner? Whichever you decided the Charter Crew or Guide will provide instructions on how to release the fish properly for its safe return to the depths or to ensure you're catching the legal size and limit (amount) of the type of fish your hauling in.