[admin]

(posted by vinnyf)

I'm going down to the Keys at the end of this month and would be very grateful if someone could give me a few pointers as to where I could get some good tarpon, bonefish or barracuda action. This will be a first for me as I have never fished for those before. Nor have I ever been on the Keys. Can I just wade on the flats, should I rent my own boat or is a guide essential? Where is a good area to try? I'll be staying on Marathon. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[admin]

I boned on my own at Bahia Honda State Park and on Matecumbe Key at the Green Turtle Inn Sign. Plenty of fish mudding at Annie's Landing (I think it was annie's, some girls' name; public access area, watch out for 'odd duck' human behavior there at nightfall)
Definitely chat with Bud and Mary, LaJolla, etc. Please tell them the Flyfishing Forum says HI! Bonefish Bob is another must stop - he'll send you in the right direction.

'Cuda are pretty easy if they're around, but make sure you are prepared to deal with them if you connect. Have some good hemostats and go barbless with wire.

I saw tarpon blasting pilchards at Bahia Honda. I had an 8wt so stayed away discretion being the better part of valor and all that.

I agree that you should hire a guide if you can, nothing like being poled around the flats or taken to the mangroves where tarpon are holding up that day.

Friends of the Forum:

Bud & Mary's
(800)742-7945
http://www.budnmarys.com

LaJolla Lodge

Ben Iannotta Jr
Key West Guide and Forum Author - 'Memoirs of the Miramichi', Chronicles
Phone: 305-296-1623
E-mail: [email protected]

Boat rentals on the keys?
http://www.keysboat.com/
email: [email protected]

Bigcat makes an annual pilgrimage to the Keys and can probably give you outstanding information on tarpon fishing. Dave P (fliboy) just got back from chasing tarpon, the pictures will be up today.

What specific questions do you have - let's see if we can help.

 

[bigcat988]

Vinny,
Admin gave you some good info.You could fish Grassy Key flats
mm55. You will see an old small billboard park there and wade out to the sand bars bonefish come over the flat on incomeing tide and lots of cudas(be careful some soft spots and some holes here).Currie Hummolk state park is just acrosss the lights from Grassy Key You could also check out the high school flats in Marathon.
Hope this helps?

 

[vinnyf]

Thank you both for your replies. I think I'll take up your suggestions and hire a guide. Can you recommend anyone? I'll be sure to let you know how I got on. This site is a great resource by the way, I'm glad I was made aware of it.

thanks,

Vinny