How to Plan a Fishing Boat Trip in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer adventure for any fisherman who wants the warmth, sun and clear waters of the Atlantic. Some of the finest sport fishing takes place in the Keys. The Gulf stream nourishes the Atlantic waters with a wide variety of fish. Whether you charter a boat or go kayak fishing, these steps tell you how to plan your fishing boat trip to the Florida Keys.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what type of adventure you would like to take in the Florida Keys. Deep sea fishing, kayaking, party boat fishing, snorkling, tarpon fishing or reef fishing are all possibilities. Or perhaps,you want to do more than one excursion.

2. Contact a reputable kayak, fishing and Eco tour guides to discuss your options and adventure you want to take while at the Keys. You need to do this before you leave for the Florida Keys because the best of the area might be booked if you arrive unprepared.

3. Book your flight or plan your drive to the Florida Keys. Time it so you arrive the night before your boat trip. Check with the captain when the launch time is in the morning. Launch times depend on the type of boat trip you have chartered. The captain will inform you on the weather and what to wear that day. Sunshine and warm temperatures are the common forecast.

4. Find a place to stay. Decide if you want to stay in a hotel, inn, guesthouse or bed and breakfast. Each has their own qualities and nuances that suits your needs.

5. Pack for the trip. Charter boats supply all the necessary equipment for fishing or exploring the Keys. However, you need to bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, loose fitting cotton clothes, gum shoe shoes (tennis shoes), light pullover jacket, camera, sea legs, drinks and lunch.

6. Write an itinerary for your trip. Making sure the adventure is well-planned before you leave for your trip. Discuss the trip with your companion or family, so everyone is on the same page and the boating trip is a success.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are taking your family, make sure you plan each day with an activity and leave one day of the trip as a "free" day. A "free" day can quickly become filled with activities you discover once you arrive and explore the Keys.
• Going as a couple without children means art galleries, bars, dancing and deep sea fishing.
• For over 20 years, "Saltwater Blues Band" play a unique style Smooth Latin Jazz, Flamenco, Funky Blues throughout the Keys. Try to catch their music while planning your trip.
• Consider dolphin fishing, diving or king mackerel fishing off the Atlantic reef.
• Garden Hotel (#2 ranked), Island City House Hotel (#10 ranked), Wyndhman's Casa Marina Resort (1920's gem) are choices for top places to stay.
• If you are on a budget, consider staying at a vacation rental. Florida Keys Treasure lists vacation rentals throughout the Keys.
• Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorada, Big Pine and Key West are the more common places to take a boat trip.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!