Key West’s 125-mile-long stretch of island generates a fascinating fishing environment. An impressive or edible catch is nearly guaranteed at any time of the year. The inside bend of the Keys main land, the backcountry as locals call it, is home to several of the most commonly hunted game fish among avid fishermen and sports people including:
- Tarpon
- Redfish or red drum
- Snook
- Bonefish
- Permit
Fishing in the back country consists of fly fishing, spin or plugging.
The Atlantic Ocean is referred to as the outer curve of the Keys, which is considered a deep sea area. This could mean it is anywhere from five miles or more from shore. In some areas depths range from 600-2,000 feet. The deep sea is home to several of the most extreme sport fish none to this planet. For example:
- Sailfish
- Swordfish
- Blue and white marlin
In an effort to maintain preservation and encourage recreation a catch and release approach is widely practiced.
Key West Fishing Guides
Boats and guides are available to support first time fishers or to take out the pros for an exciting adventure. Why should I hire a key west fishing guide?
- It’s educational
- They can offer advice
- They are affordable
Guides can inform you about the sport, area, and even offer assistance to passengers if opportunities to land a catch throughout their trip arise.
Maybe boats aren’t your thing. That’s ok because bridge fishing is another popular form of fishing in Key West. Here is a list of just a few of the offshore fishing platforms available to both guests and locals:
- Seven Mile Bridge
- South Pine Channel
- Spanish Harbor
- Kemp Channel
- Shark Channel
- Long Key
- Park Channel
- Bow Channel
One important note to make is that a salt water fishing license is mandatory in order to fish individually on the island. They’re available to purchase online or at various local bait shops.
Vacations usually mean families are traveling together or individuals are traveling with friends. Key West offers a range of party boats that run on half or whole day trips.
Taking a fishing trip along the island is certainly a memory you won’t ever want to forget. However, if fishing is not for you, Key West offers many other activities for all to enjoy as well.
- Visit the beach
- Jet ski
- Scuba dive
- Key west Flyboarding
- Mel Fisher Maritime Mueseum
- Shipwreck Historeum Museum
- Little White House Tour
- Ghost Tour
- Llyod’s Tropical Bike Tour
- Rent a Scooter
- The Island Biplane Tour
Key West has an abundance of activities to take part in and for this reason has grown to be one of the highest ranked vacation spots in the United States. There is truly something for everyone. Of course it is most commonly known for its vibrant blue oceans, immaculate beaches, and magical underwater reefs and nautical life. But there is certainly much more the island has to offer its guests. Visitors could revisit Key West one hundred and one times and still return to discover a new and exciting experience.