BigBendFishing.Net

I'm heading down the 16th of this month with the family for Spring Break. We will be staying near the 7-mile bridge and I'm looking for ANY fishing/lobsering tips you all may be able to provide. I'm going to haul my 21 SeaPro down there and I plan on snorkeling for lobster (if they are around this area this time of year) and doing some inshore and offshore fishing. That being said, that's my plan but I don't know jack about fishing down there and I don't know the area. If it weren't for the fact that we were invited to join some friends of ours down there for the week, I probably would have stayed around my neck of the woods and fished the local waters, but I'm hoping to make the best of it as far as fishing goes.

Silverking and others that know the area, any insight you all might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

In advance, thanks.

Scoop

Lobster season closes 31 March, so it's a little tough near the end of the season. Get the regs and really pay attention to where it's not legal to lobster, size, egg bearing female prohibition, etc. There are some good places out back in FL Bay from 7 mile. Look for rocks, ledges, and hard channel edges in 5' to 12' of water - seeing traps is a good indication that the general area may be good. DONT go too near any traps; those guys are serious about raiders. You need a tickle stick, net and size gauge, and the lob has to be measured in the water before you put it in the boat if legal. All the gear you'll need is sold everywhere down there. No spearing or hooking, if you find a honey hole keep working it. Here's a great site with the info you need: http://floridalobstering.com/lobster-season/

The good new is fishing should be great. You'll have great back country areas for Mangrove Snapper, Trout, Reds, and around the bridge - Tarpon. If it doesn't blow, the 1st reef in 60' to 80' of water should give up some yellow tails. Find good hard bottom, use plenty of chum, light line, no more than a split shot and you have to have current. Any of the bait and tackle places will give you advice and tips - friendly folks that want to see tourists do well. Stop at the World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada and pick up the Top Spot chart for the area you'll be in; it give a good (and real) read on exact places to fish for specific species, including the best time of year. The best thing about the Keys - there's always something biting and there are always places to get out of the wind. I look forward to seeing your post with pics.

Pics from last year:

Can't add anything on bug chasing, Chris, but the small islands out in Florida Bay will hold fish. Tarpon and permit, plus sharks, snapper and 'cuda. The bridge is the most consistent spot for jumping tarpon (DOA Terroreyez in root beer suspended down into the current), but be careful. The water really rips through there. If you hit some of the smaller channels heading south with live pilchards, you will can catch smaller tarpon. Less work, more fun.

Lots of wrecks out in the bay itself that can hold snapper, permit and cobia. Ditto what LL said. A Top Spots chart, plus a visit to one of the local tackle shops will yield some real-time info.

Good luck, have fun and give us a report.

There is never a bad time for the Keys. SS, Hawks Channel is the main intercoastal route in the Keys,awsome for lobster and fishing. My grandson and I fished in 30 plus feet and caught nice grouper and mutton snapper.You will be alittle south of where we fish,we have a place in Lower Matecumbe, mile marker 76. Please check the regs-- but I dont think grouper season EVER closes in Monroe Co.Live pilchards or pinfish is the key, you can catch your own or buy from any bait shop, and yes- lots of chum as per silverking. Your 21 Seapro will be perfect.If you get a chance,ck out Flamingo- you wont be disappointed.Dont forget the camera- we want pictures

Gents thanks for the info, that's some good intel there.

We are changing our plans a little. Instead of taking our SeaPro as originally planned, we are going to rent a boat down there. One of my kids has a vball tourney the following weekend in Orlando (on our way back), so I decided not to take my boat and try to have to deal with the hassle of securing it over in the Disney area, etc. I'd rather have my boat, but we'll make the best of this situation. On that note, if ya'll know of any good boat rental places, please let me know. I've got an email out to fishnfunboatrental, their site advertises boats in our size range with all the equipment we will need (minus tackle which we will bring). If ya'll know of another good outfit, please feel free to pass on the details.

Greenbone: thanks for the heads up on Grouper not being closed in Marathon County, I totally did not know that. In fact, I told my friends we wouldn't be able to target any since they were out of season in the Gulf. I looked up the regs and it sure appears that you can take 1 gag, 1 black, or 3 reds year round in Marathon.

I have no idea how this rodeo will play out, but with the tips ya'll gave, I feel a little better about our chances of getting on some fish.

Thanks again,

Chris

Here is some info.

http://forums.floridasportsman.com/show ... w-for-2012

And this one too.

http://forums.floridasportsman.com/show ... 4-Keys-FAQ

BTT: So I can find it with blurry eyes later this week..........

Also: Tidedancer, thanks for the links, I have been using them to plan my trip.

Chris