BigBendFishing.Net

This may be a little early but we're planning a trip to the Keys for spring break. So here is the question, would most of take your 22' bay boat into those waters you've never seen or get a guide? I know we're wanting to try some offshore fishing and maybe some flats/backcountry as well. I just want to make sure they have a good time and hopefully soem fish as they've never fished before. Any opions are welcome.

What part of the keys?

Lower and Middle keys would be limited flats fishing, not what your used to anyways. Great for bones, permit, tarpon, shark, cobia and such

Upper keys has alot more choices in target able inshore species: trout, redfish, snook, etc...Everglades

Primarily the middle keys.

Reel Cowboy,
Chalk is correct. If you are looking at Islamorada to Marathon, great flats but do yourself a favor and get a chart. Local marina's can get you some great starting info. You'll find scattered in the flats areas, many holes and ledges great for mangrove snapper, trout, reds and snook. I have taken 22' boats (center console, never a bayboat) into the Atlantic many times; just gotta watch the weather and other larger boat traffic. Much of Pennycamp isn't fishable anylonger but there are great areas (reefs) scattered all along the Keys. I spent many great days fishing the area...you won't be dissapointed, but you will want to do some homework.......lots of water there. Have a great trip.

As long as you have a GPS with mapping that will show you channels and such you will be fine. I've run my 23 inboard all over from Marathon to Islamorada with no problems. Even with fairly windy days you still fish one side or the other. On a good day taking you rig to the humps is no big deal.

... need some crew??

while you're there you may want to leave the boat one night and take a midnight trip fishing under the bridges in the islamorada area.