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Author Topic:   Florida Keys Fishing info

Powergroove803 posted 05-28-2012 10:14 AM ET (US)
Anyone got some good "honey holes" or GPS coordinates to some must see, must snorkel, must fish places in and around Key Largo and Islamaroda?
Also, what is the best reference for marine sanctuary areas or "no fish" zones?
Jkcam posted 05-28-2012 11:21 AM ET (US)
One absolute place you must visit is Robbies marina. It is on the west side of the road just South of Islamorada. Buy a bucket of fish and feed the Tarpon!
Warning: Do not wear your Rolex or have your wife (if one) stick her left hand (with rings) down holding a dead fish for the Tarpon.
Do a search for "Robbies Tarpon Feeding" and you'll get the idea.
As far as asking for GPS fishing honey holes numbers. Ha, ha,ha, keep dreaming!!
Diving spots for sightseeing are readily available at any of the 10,000 dive shops.
Have fun.
elaelap posted 05-28-2012 12:26 PM ET (US)
For some fun research, read any one of the dozen plus John D. MacDonald/Travis McGee violent, sexy novels, mostly set in Lauderdale, Miami and the Keys. Lots of local boating and fishing details woven into almost every plot. For instance, here are some lines from "The Scarlet Ruse" (page 195):
"[The bad guys] were coming into deeper water and picking up speed. I caught them in quick and momentary glimpses. It was one of the countless imitations of the Boston Whaler, with the central console where the operator can stand and run the big outboard by the remote controls..."
Fun reads, with some interesting and unexpected commentary about the environmental degradation of South Florida and the Keys mixed in with all the action and craziness. Enjoy.
Tony
maverick posted 05-28-2012 12:36 PM ET (US)
Trolling offshore, find weed lines, starting 4+ miles offshore, big bait, big fish, typically.
Snorkeling or shallow dive that's cool with kids, too, is the wreck of the San Pedro, about 1mile offshore, about mm78, well marked with large white mooring buoys. Has concrete replicas father original cannon, red ballast stones littering the bottom, etc. around 0-15' deep. http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/flshipwrecks/ped.
Lots of places to see in the area, buy a good chart, many are marked, some are not and only known by veterans...like a load of large steel pipes dumped circa 1960s in 10' -12' water, now covered with lobsters and crabs....one of my own favs....
Mav
maverick posted 05-28-2012 12:39 PM ET (US)
Not 0-15',,,,, meant to type 10-15' feet....San Pedro...
maverick posted 05-28-2012 12:41 PM ET (US)
Try this link without the period at the end. Fat fingers strike 2x
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/flshipwrecks/ped.htm
contender posted 05-28-2012 02:42 PM ET (US)
Power: Not being mean, however you need to think this one out...I have a place in the Keys that I guarantee fish any time any day, and now I'm going to advertise it on the web???
Right now your best bet is to go a little offshore for some dolphin, Look for birds, seaweed and or something floating, troll a skirt with either a blue/white, a pink/white, and/or a green/yellow, best to rig it with a ballyhoo. You just need to use mono for a leader 60-80 lbs. Have some spinners ready with some cut bait if you find a school of them, Leave one in the water so the rest of them stay by the boat. Ask some locals about the restrictions on the fishing zones and your catches (think dolphin is 10 per person right now), and you will need to get an out of state fishing license while you are down there. If you plan to dive a little best to go to John Pennekamp State Park If you do not want all the trouble charterer a captain for a full day,(you wont have to purchase a license then) sometimes you can split the party most of the captains can handle up to 6 people.... Take plenty of drink, sun screen, sun glasses, long sleeve shirt and a hat...have fun
Powergroove803 posted 05-28-2012 05:00 PM ET (US)
Contender, I knew the hotspot was a stretch, Ive been to the keys probably 15 times including lobster season one year but mostly racing sailboats and not fishing. While im comfortable boating around there, I just dont know the tips to catching fish at this time of the year. My 3 sons ages 13, 10, and 3 have been promised for 5 or so years a fishing trip to the Keys, and finally it is coming to fruition next week!
Ive looked at chartering a boat and captain but jsut too much money for me, so Im left to fihure this one out on my own. I did buy the Key Largo Fishing hotspots map and it has some okay stuff on it and we do plan to hit a local bait shop for some more local knowledge, but I know the Whaler guys have all the secrets, thats why I came here for some advice. I wouldnt give out my secret honey hole either, but point me in the right direction!
We will be at Num Thai probably Monday night and Friday night hopefully, we love that place, and everytime I have been in there and sat at the sushi bar, it was full of boat captains swapping stories and giving us tips on the best sushi. Ive just never been a fisherman, so it all went over my head. My kids are the real deal fishermen, so hopefully they can teach me a little something!
Robbies Marina, heard about it, seen the youtube, never been, but sounds fun for the kids.
Annes beach is a must, and a Key Lime daqauri at Bub and Marys is on the list too.
Probably dive around Molasses one day and I definitely want the kids to see the blue water.
PM me if you will be around!
contender posted 05-28-2012 08:54 PM ET (US)
Power: really the best bet would be to go offshore for the dolphin, its very easy, the water should be calm and you will not lose sight of land. And above all if you get in a school of them your kids will have a ball. If you can not find any dolphin come in to the shallow reefs 30-60 feet, and you and your kids can catch all the snappers, grunts, and groupers they want (some of these have size limits).
Robbies: This is a MUST for your kids, plan it out so you go at high tide so the fish are closer to the docks (bring a camera) it is in Lower Matecumbe mile marker 77 or 78 on the bay side(right side going south). Another cool thing to do with your kids will be to hit the shallows (best between Tavernier and Marathon ask the locals) get your kids some dip nets and just walk in the shallows looking for marine life. Another spot the kids will like will be in Islamorada the Islamorada Fish Company (Bass Pro bay side again forget the mm) kids can get in one of Hemingway's boat inside look at the fish while mom and dad have a beer/drink.
Cover your kids with sunscreen, sun glasses and long sleeve t shirts (this is not a joke your kids will burn in the sun, and their vacation will be ruined)
One of the best places for breakfast (all the locals know this) is Harriet's in Key Largo about mm 94-96 on the bay side Yellow building single story
AZdave posted 05-29-2012 01:58 AM ET (US)
Don't overlook fishing from the decommissioned bridges in the keys. Several of the older bridges are open to fishing, and are the equivalent of very long fishing piers. We had our best luck a couple of weeks ago with freshly cut bait, and fluorocarbon leaders. I was skeptical about the leaders, but we changed and started catching fish. We did best at dusk, and were catching mangrove snapper. Florida DNR has some good materials with rules and hints on fish identification, but they were hard to find at bait shops and big box sporting goods stores. We were farther down the keys. Our best spot was on the SW side of Cudjoe Key. Have fun. Dave
Powergroove803 posted 05-29-2012 08:53 AM ET (US)
Contender, thanks! harriets, will do! When we there in 2003 we ate a place near Big Pine Key I think, they served sweet tea and grits...I felt right at home....It was a mom and pops place, but the man and wife were not transplants from the south, but extensive travlers who brought a bunch of different flavors from everywhere. anyone know what this place is? Ive got CRS and just cant recall
conch posted 05-29-2012 10:56 AM ET (US)

Power here you go,every fish passes by these secret spots sooner or later.
Key Largo Hump
GPS: 25-00.661′ N; 80-16.8′W
Loran: 14133.7; 43217.8
Depth: 280-330 ft.
Islamorada Hump
GPS: 24-48.175′ N; 80-26.674′ W
Loran: 14098.3; 43266.4
Depth: 294 ft.
409 Hump
GPS: 24-35.5′ N; 80-35.5′ W
Loran: 14064.6; 43311.8
Depth: 409 ft.
Marathon Hump (West Hump)
GPS: 24-25.528′ N; 80-45.328′ W
Loran: 14032.3; 43358.5
Depth: 516 ft.

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Author	Topic: Florida Keys Fishing info
Powergroove803	posted 05-28-2012 10:14 AM ET (US) Anyone got some good "honey holes" or GPS coordinates to some must see, must snorkel, must fish places in and around Key Largo and Islamaroda? Also, what is the best reference for marine sanctuary areas or "no fish" zones?
Jkcam	posted 05-28-2012 11:21 AM ET (US) One absolute place you must visit is Robbies marina. It is on the west side of the road just South of Islamorada. Buy a bucket of fish and feed the Tarpon! Warning: Do not wear your Rolex or have your wife (if one) stick her left hand (with rings) down holding a dead fish for the Tarpon. Do a search for "Robbies Tarpon Feeding" and you'll get the idea. As far as asking for GPS fishing honey holes numbers. Ha, ha,ha, keep dreaming!! Diving spots for sightseeing are readily available at any of the 10,000 dive shops. Have fun.
elaelap	posted 05-28-2012 12:26 PM ET (US) For some fun research, read any one of the dozen plus John D. MacDonald/Travis McGee violent, sexy novels, mostly set in Lauderdale, Miami and the Keys. Lots of local boating and fishing details woven into almost every plot. For instance, here are some lines from "The Scarlet Ruse" (page 195): "[The bad guys] were coming into deeper water and picking up speed. I caught them in quick and momentary glimpses. It was one of the countless imitations of the Boston Whaler, with the central console where the operator can stand and run the big outboard by the remote controls..." Fun reads, with some interesting and unexpected commentary about the environmental degradation of South Florida and the Keys mixed in with all the action and craziness. Enjoy. Tony
maverick	posted 05-28-2012 12:36 PM ET (US) Trolling offshore, find weed lines, starting 4+ miles offshore, big bait, big fish, typically. Snorkeling or shallow dive that's cool with kids, too, is the wreck of the San Pedro, about 1mile offshore, about mm78, well marked with large white mooring buoys. Has concrete replicas father original cannon, red ballast stones littering the bottom, etc. around 0-15' deep. http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/flshipwrecks/ped. Lots of places to see in the area, buy a good chart, many are marked, some are not and only known by veterans...like a load of large steel pipes dumped circa 1960s in 10' -12' water, now covered with lobsters and crabs....one of my own favs.... Mav
maverick	posted 05-28-2012 12:39 PM ET (US) Not 0-15',,,,, meant to type 10-15' feet....San Pedro...
maverick	posted 05-28-2012 12:41 PM ET (US) Try this link without the period at the end. Fat fingers strike 2x http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/flshipwrecks/ped.htm
contender	posted 05-28-2012 02:42 PM ET (US) Power: Not being mean, however you need to think this one out...I have a place in the Keys that I guarantee fish any time any day, and now I'm going to advertise it on the web??? Right now your best bet is to go a little offshore for some dolphin, Look for birds, seaweed and or something floating, troll a skirt with either a blue/white, a pink/white, and/or a green/yellow, best to rig it with a ballyhoo. You just need to use mono for a leader 60-80 lbs. Have some spinners ready with some cut bait if you find a school of them, Leave one in the water so the rest of them stay by the boat. Ask some locals about the restrictions on the fishing zones and your catches (think dolphin is 10 per person right now), and you will need to get an out of state fishing license while you are down there. If you plan to dive a little best to go to John Pennekamp State Park If you do not want all the trouble charterer a captain for a full day,(you wont have to purchase a license then) sometimes you can split the party most of the captains can handle up to 6 people.... Take plenty of drink, sun screen, sun glasses, long sleeve shirt and a hat...have fun
Powergroove803	posted 05-28-2012 05:00 PM ET (US) Contender, I knew the hotspot was a stretch, Ive been to the keys probably 15 times including lobster season one year but mostly racing sailboats and not fishing. While im comfortable boating around there, I just dont know the tips to catching fish at this time of the year. My 3 sons ages 13, 10, and 3 have been promised for 5 or so years a fishing trip to the Keys, and finally it is coming to fruition next week! Ive looked at chartering a boat and captain but jsut too much money for me, so Im left to fihure this one out on my own. I did buy the Key Largo Fishing hotspots map and it has some okay stuff on it and we do plan to hit a local bait shop for some more local knowledge, but I know the Whaler guys have all the secrets, thats why I came here for some advice. I wouldnt give out my secret honey hole either, but point me in the right direction! We will be at Num Thai probably Monday night and Friday night hopefully, we love that place, and everytime I have been in there and sat at the sushi bar, it was full of boat captains swapping stories and giving us tips on the best sushi. Ive just never been a fisherman, so it all went over my head. My kids are the real deal fishermen, so hopefully they can teach me a little something! Robbies Marina, heard about it, seen the youtube, never been, but sounds fun for the kids. Annes beach is a must, and a Key Lime daqauri at Bub and Marys is on the list too. Probably dive around Molasses one day and I definitely want the kids to see the blue water. PM me if you will be around!
contender	posted 05-28-2012 08:54 PM ET (US) Power: really the best bet would be to go offshore for the dolphin, its very easy, the water should be calm and you will not lose sight of land. And above all if you get in a school of them your kids will have a ball. If you can not find any dolphin come in to the shallow reefs 30-60 feet, and you and your kids can catch all the snappers, grunts, and groupers they want (some of these have size limits). Robbies: This is a MUST for your kids, plan it out so you go at high tide so the fish are closer to the docks (bring a camera) it is in Lower Matecumbe mile marker 77 or 78 on the bay side(right side going south). Another cool thing to do with your kids will be to hit the shallows (best between Tavernier and Marathon ask the locals) get your kids some dip nets and just walk in the shallows looking for marine life. Another spot the kids will like will be in Islamorada the Islamorada Fish Company (Bass Pro bay side again forget the mm) kids can get in one of Hemingway's boat inside look at the fish while mom and dad have a beer/drink. Cover your kids with sunscreen, sun glasses and long sleeve t shirts (this is not a joke your kids will burn in the sun, and their vacation will be ruined) One of the best places for breakfast (all the locals know this) is Harriet's in Key Largo about mm 94-96 on the bay side Yellow building single story
AZdave	posted 05-29-2012 01:58 AM ET (US) Don't overlook fishing from the decommissioned bridges in the keys. Several of the older bridges are open to fishing, and are the equivalent of very long fishing piers. We had our best luck a couple of weeks ago with freshly cut bait, and fluorocarbon leaders. I was skeptical about the leaders, but we changed and started catching fish. We did best at dusk, and were catching mangrove snapper. Florida DNR has some good materials with rules and hints on fish identification, but they were hard to find at bait shops and big box sporting goods stores. We were farther down the keys. Our best spot was on the SW side of Cudjoe Key. Have fun. Dave
Powergroove803	posted 05-29-2012 08:53 AM ET (US) Contender, thanks! harriets, will do! When we there in 2003 we ate a place near Big Pine Key I think, they served sweet tea and grits...I felt right at home....It was a mom and pops place, but the man and wife were not transplants from the south, but extensive travlers who brought a bunch of different flavors from everywhere. anyone know what this place is? Ive got CRS and just cant recall
conch	posted 05-29-2012 10:56 AM ET (US) Power here you go,every fish passes by these secret spots sooner or later. Key Largo Hump GPS: 25-00.661′ N; 80-16.8′W Loran: 14133.7; 43217.8 Depth: 280-330 ft. Islamorada Hump GPS: 24-48.175′ N; 80-26.674′ W Loran: 14098.3; 43266.4 Depth: 294 ft. 409 Hump GPS: 24-35.5′ N; 80-35.5′ W Loran: 14064.6; 43311.8 Depth: 409 ft. Marathon Hump (West Hump) GPS: 24-25.528′ N; 80-45.328′ W Loran: 14032.3; 43358.5 Depth: 516 ft.