Salt Water Fishing in the Florida Keys
Fishing in the Florida Keys is a leisure activity enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Variety is what makes the keys such a popular fishing destination. Not only are there thousands of varieties of fish, but there are also many different methods to catch them and different bodies of water to fish. Whether the goal is fun, relaxation, freshly caught dinner or a wall trophy, the Florida Keys offer opportunities for fishermen of all ages and skill levels.
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Sport Fishing
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Sport fishing is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Florida Keys. Charter boats for an exciting day of landing game fish are available on any major key and many smaller ones from Key Largo to Key West. Trophy fish typically caught in the keys include white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and swordfish, but anglers can also fish for hundreds of varieties of dinner fish, tarpon, shark and barracuda. Charter boats are bound to follow the fish and game laws regarding catch size, but if the fish is legal, the fisherman can take it home.
When chartering a boat, expect an experienced captain and at least one crew member with knowledge of tides, weather, fishing areas, fishing laws, bait, equipment and technique. The fishing license and all necessary equipment are included in the charter. Check the package agreement for specifics; guests may be expected to bring--or catch--lunch and provide drinks. Alcohol is rarely included, but most captains allow liquor onboard.
Flats Fishing
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Fishing on the shallow flats of the backwaters is another popular fishing activity in the keys. Shallow draft boats are widely available with or without motors. Flats fishing also lends itself handily to canoeing and kayaking. Fishermen may expect to catch bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, redfish, shark, barracuda, seatrout, jacks and ladyfish using light tackle. Flats fishing charters are similar to deep sea fishing charters. The most significant difference is number of people. Smaller, lighter boats can accommodate only a captain and two to three passengers.
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Shore Fishing
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Anyone can fish from the shore and from piers and most Florida keys bridges have walkways on the sides designed for fishing. Several varieties of snapper, tarpon, permit, snook, sunfish, mullet, barracuda, shark and many other types of fish live in the shallows close to shore. Necessary equipment includes fishing tackle, bait, a chair or stool and cleaning equipment or a bucket to carry the catch live.
Fishing License
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As of August 1, 2009, Florida residents over the age of 16 and under the age of 65 must have a license to fish from the shore, from shore fixtures like docks, or from boats. A shoreline license costs $9 per year and a license that covers both shore and boat fishing costs $17 per year. There are exceptions to the rule, including United States military personnel home on leave and people fishing with live or natural bait using fishing poles without reels. Fishing licenses are available for purchase online via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
What to Bring
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There are a few common items necessary for a day of any kind of fishing. Pack a camera, lunch and snacks, drinks, sunscreen, a hat with a brim, a towel, sunglasses, motion sickness medicine if necessary and a cooler to store catch. For anglers fishing without a charter boat--and its typical onboard supplies--add some basic first aid items and white vinegar to neutralize jellyfish stings.
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- Photo Credit Blue marlin leaping out of water image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
