Light Tackle Fishing in Key West
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008The Florida Keys stretch some 100 miles out into the ocean and have water all around them and there’s fish everywhere. Several of the Keys have built an enviable reputation for world-class fishing but Key West wins the prize as the top spot simply for the huge selection of species swimming around the island. Florida Keys fishing attracts anglers from all over the world and for very good reasons.
The inshore fishing around Key West includes tarpon fishing, permit or sharks, the reef offers snapper and grouper and offshore there’s a whole host of species including dolphin, sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, tuna and cobia. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, there’s no excuse for having a poor day’s fishing whatever the weather gods can throw at you.
You’ll find a number of offshore boats working out of Key West, our primary interest is light tackle fishing. If you are not a regular saltwater angler you will be wondering what I’m talking about, so we’ll begin with a quick explanation. The offshore boats tend to be bigger with a greater degree of luxury which might include a large air conditioned lounge bunks and showers. They cruise around offshore towing a number of baits behind the boat and once a fish is hooked the lucky angler sits in the fighting chair to bring the fish to the boat. A light tackle boat is somewhat smaller, normally around 26 – 30 ft long, with an open deck and no creature comforts such as bunks or saloons. Normally powered by a pair of powerful outboard motors, they reach great speeds and are able to fish spots many miles from Key West. Each person on the boat is armed with a rod and reel, and when a bite is detected it is up to the angler to strike and reel in the fish unaided. The offshore captains tend to fish in water at least 200 feet deep whereas the light tackle boats are much more versatile operating in water anything between 20 ft deep for sharks in the harbor to 200 ft deep offshore whilst searching for sailfish.
Now don’t get the wrong idea about light tackle fishing, it’s equally suitable for expert or beginner. All of the skippers are very helpful and they’ll all do their best to make sure that you have a great fishing experience, and maybe a fish or two to take home with you or have prepared at one of the local seafood restaurants. All of the light tackle boats have a large selection of fishing tackle for anyone that doesn’t have their own tackle. All that’s required from you for a great day’s fishing is food and drink, sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
Our next articles will describe in greater detail a day fishing for grouper, tuna, sailfish or tarpon, but in the meantime we’d suggest that you to book a trip and catch some of our wonderful fish.