Key west advice

[Shady]

The wife and I are going to key west in March for a last hurrah before the baby comes. Anybody have recommendations on charter captains? Kayak or boat? I think I'd like to do flats fishing. Any other activity recommendations are welcome too. My plan currently will be kayak tour, fishing, and maybe glass bottom boat.

[RavensDfense]

Ryan,

When I went to KW three years ago, I was unsuccessful in finding a kayak fishing guide on the island. Lots of rentals, but no guides. A quick internet search turned up at least one there now. http://kayakkingskeywest.com/kayak-fishing-tour/

I used Captain Bill Keogh out of Big Pine Key. The trip was pretty much a bust for us in the PM, but the morning guys had some luck with snapper and permit. The fishing was really basic. Fresh shrimp (crab for the permit) on a 1/8 oz jig head casted into the mangroves. We caught one mangrove snapper and the guide caught a jack. For $300, I dont think I would book it again. I could do the same thing on my own.

I don't know if you have a rental car, but if you do and want the on of the best boat charters you can find, I reccommend you head north to Duck Key (aboot 50 mins north of KW) and check out Capt. Scott Walker with Tailwalker Charters. He is a close friends uncle and I have been with him several times and always had a great experience.

Good luck in whatever you decide and congrats on the upcoming addition to your family.

[Runnin]

+1 one on suggestion to travel north a little. I have been to the Islamorada area many time. There's a lot of patch reefs ocean side fairly close to shore. Good fishing for grouper, Barracuda, and snappers. Many guides will make the 25 mile run to Flamingo at ENP. The Snake Bight area is an awesome destination for Reds, Snook, and Trout.

You can rent a kayak and pretty much find enough to keep you busy with Mangrove snapper. They are easy to find. Just find the side of any mangrove island with access to deeper water. Drop shrimp or small pinfish in there and you'll get bit. Might also get snook or grouper doing this.

[toyomo]

Myself and some others should be in Islamorada in the beginning of March. Was also looking for kayak guides in this area and didnt see a whole lot. Been debating the offshore vs flats vs kayak thing myself. Will most likely be going with a captain out of Bud n Marys marina but unsure which as of this time. I will post up if i find a decent kayak guide and will be following this thread too in case others know of one.

[CB kayak 02]

Marc is on Islamorada, but he was the man!!


Key Ingredient Charters:
Capt. Marc Bellefleur a specialist in Fly and Light tackle.
Call for information and advance booking call 305-852-7366

Enjoy the back water and flats fishing experiences with one of the best teaching captains in the area. Ideal for the new angler or seasoned pro Marc provided the expertise making your fishing adventure enjoyable.

[scorpioreno]

As far as activities make sure you see the sunset festival . I went last Easter with my daughter and was blown away at all the action down there.