How to Kayak Fish the Keys
Warm, tropical water surrounds the Florida Keys on every side. Emerald and turquoise patches dot the coastline and offshore areas, beckoning anglers to drop a line in the water. One popular way to fish the Florida Keys is from a kayak; novice paddlers and expert anglers alike can get on a kayak and dip their line in a matter of minutes. This sport takes little training and suits all ages, whether you want to glide across the open water or cloister among the mangroves.
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Things You'll Need
- Fishing license
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Personal flotation device
- Visual signaling device
- Fishing rod and reel
- Bait
- Tackle
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Chart
- GPS
- Ice
Instructions
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Any fishing in Florida, off a dock, bridge or boat, requires a license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sells saltwater fishing licenses online as well as over the phone. An angler can purchase a license the same day he wishes to fish.
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Find a kayak rental outpost or, for travelers with their own kayaks, a boat ramp. Fishing in the early morning or evening yields the best results; an angler who wishes to fish at sunrise may need to arrange for a rental the day before. Ask the outpost for a kayak equipped for fishing. A rental should include a kayak, PFD and paddle. Additionally, Florida law requires a visual signaling device on board. Many people use mirrors or a shiny CD if the rental agent does not provide one.
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Purchase bait and tackle and rent a rod and reel, if needed. Most kayaks don't have a bait well, so you'll have to buy frozen or keep a bait bucket tied to the kayak. Most kayak fishing in the Florida Keys takes place near reefs or in back bays by mangroves. When buying bait, ask for suggestions as to the best fishing spots in the area. A good chart or GPS will make finding the suggested spots much easier.
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Load the kayak with water, sunscreen, bait, tackle, rod, reel, and plenty of drinking water and ice. Always bring more water than needed, at least one gallon per person.
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Have a float plan and tell someone what it is. The rental agent makes an ideal choice for this; let her know when to expect the boat back and where you're taking it. This makes any rescues attempts swifter and more effective. If you have a cell phone with you, give her the number.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan for weather. Summers in Florida can mean daily afternoon thunderstorms. Check radar rather than the local forecast for the most accurate information.
Know what you can and can't keep. Size matters when it comes to fishing, as does season and number of fish caught. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Many bait shops have free booklets that outline the laws.
Wear bright colors, like orange or red or pink, rather then blue or green. In the event you need a rescue, you want to be seen from a distance. If you have a choice, pick a brightly colored kayak.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, at the outpost or the bait shop. These people are used to tourists who may not know the ins and outs of kayak fishing or Florida waterways; generally, they expect questions and share information freely.
Don't get out of your kayak to fish a sandbar unless it has an anchor or painter you can tie off. Currents will carry your boat away faster than you can swim.
If you get caught in a storm or can't get your boat back for any reason, stay with your kayak. Never try to swim back; the shore is always farther than it looks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit kayak image by saidin b jusoh from Fotolia.com
