Best Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
Where to go and what to use
by Craig Lamb
Ever had that gut feeling when you’re about to embark on an adventure? That’s the same rush of excitement fly fishers get when they hear “Florida Keys”.
The turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and tropical climate… it’s a paradise not just for vacation-goers but also for anglers. But what makes this place a top-notch spot? Some of the best fly fishing in the Florida Keys.
Picture casting your line in the Atlantic Ocean one day and then testing your skills in the Gulf of Mexico next. Envision hooking popular species like tarpon, bonefish or permit.
This isn’t some fantasy tale – welcome to real-life fishing adventures in best fly fishing in the Florida Keys! Are you prepared to plunge into these unexplored depths?
We promise by end of this read, you’ll be packing your gear faster than a snook darting after bait!
Table Of Contents:
- The Allure of Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
- Navigating the Waters: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
- Upper Keys: Gateway to Everglades National Park
- Middle Keys and Marathon’s Lesser-Known Appeal
- Lower Keys’ Big Pine Key – A Flats Fishing Paradise
- Sugarloaf Key’s Bonefish Season
- Key West – The World-Class Permit Fishing Destination
- The Marquesas Keys –
- FAQs in Relation to Best Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
- Conclusion
The Allure of Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
Imagine yourself on a sun-drenched boat, casting your line into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Florida Keys. But this isn’t just any fishing trip; you’re here for fly fishing, an art form in itself.
Why choose the Florida Keys? Because it’s simply one of the top fly fishing destinations worldwide. That’s not an overstatement but rather a fact backed by anglers who’ve been seduced by its unique allure.
A World Within Reach: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
Fly fishers know that diversity is key to an exciting catch. And where else can you get access to two distinct bodies of water within minutes?
This paradise straddles both sides of U.S. Hwy 1 – which means variety. The Atlantic Ocean side, with its deep-blue depths and vibrant reefs, teems with bonefish, tarpon, and permit – some serious brag-worthy catches.
Cross over to the other side though, let’s call it The Gulf Side Show, there are equally compelling characters like snook or red drum waiting for their spotlight under your carefully crafted flies.
Gone Fishin’ In Everglades National Park & Upper Keys
If you think ‘wilderness’ when someone mentions Everglades National Park (and I mean come on), congratulations. You’re right. But what if I told you there’s more than alligators lurking these parts?
Everglades National Park and the surrounding Upper Keys area are renowned for its estuary environment. It’s here where snook and red drum make their home, giving fly fishers a chance to wrestle with these fighters.
Middle Keys & Marathon: The Unsung Heroes of Fly Fishing
If you’re all about chasing tarpon (and who isn’t?), mark your calendars for April through May. During this period, an annual spring migration brings schools of silver kings right under Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda Bridge in Marathon – prime hotspots that aren’t as crowded as one might think.
Navigating the Waters: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
Florida’s U.S. Hwy. 1, a.k.a., the Overseas Highway, is like your magic carpet ride to two fishing paradises – The Atlantic Ocean side and The Gulf of Mexico side. Both waters have their unique charm that can make any fly fisher’s heart skip a beat.
The Atlantic Ocean Side
Fly fishing in the Keys’ oceanic playground starts right on this coral archipelago’s doorstep. Thanks to its warm tropical currents and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life.
Aptly named “Sportfishing Capital of the World”, Islamorada houses many game species for you to cast your line at – Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna or Wahoo. But if flats fishing is more your style then bonefish, permit and tarpon are aplenty here too.
This saltwater scene can be pretty thrilling but let me give you some advice from personal experience; having an experienced guide by your side will save you time finding these elusive creatures hiding amidst seagrass beds or mangrove shorelines. Check out this resource for local guides.
The Gulf of Mexico Side
Moving onto our second gemstone- The Florida Bay which leads into the expansive emerald waters of the Gulf.
“The gulf?”, You may question,” Isn’t it just full of red snappers and groupers?” Oh, you’d be surprised.
This unique ecosystem is a nursery for numerous species of fish, including snook and red drum. The shallow seagrass flats make sight fishing exciting here. Trust me when I say this – the thrill of spotting a tailing Redfish in crystal clear waters is second to none.
A hot tip from an old salt (that’s me) – time your trips with falling tides. This will push bait out from the mangroves providing excellent feeding opportunities for these predatory fish.
Upper Keys: Gateway to Everglades National Park
The Upper Keys, an angler’s paradise and the gateway to Everglades National Park, teem with fish species that would make any fly fisherman’s heart race. The unique geographical location allows you access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.
If you think about it, it’s like being in a candy store where all your favorite treats are within reach – but instead of sweets, we’re talking snook or red drum.
Snook and Red Drum Fishing in Florida Bay
In the estuary environment of Florida Bay thrives two popular species – Snook and Red Drum. Picture this: You’re out on the calm waters at dawn, casting lines while bathed in hues of oranges as the sun starts its ascent into a clear sky.
Fly fishing for snook is akin to finding Waldo amidst a sea of stripes – they blend well with their surroundings due to their distinct lateral line. However, when hooked on your line? Oh boy. They put up quite a fight making them every bit worth your early morning wakeup call.
But let’s not forget about our friend the red drum; known for their bronze color and spot-tail marking which resembles an ink blotch from an enthusiastic painter. Anglers often find themselves doing ‘the happy dance’ after catching these robust fighters during Florida’s fall season.
| Distribution | Bait Used | Best Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snook | All throughout Florida Bay, Upper Keys and Everglades National Park. | White baitfish flies that mimic their prey like the Glass Minnow fly pattern. | Fall season with peak catches reported between September to November. |
| Red Drum | It seems like there’s some confusion here. I’m sorry, but you didn’t provide any content for me to rewrite in the last paragraph. Could you please give more details or context? |
Middle Keys and Marathon’s Lesser-Known Appeal
As you make your way down U.S. Hwy 1, don’t let the Middle Keys slip under your radar. Especially Marathon, a hidden gem in this fly fishing paradise.
Unlike its more famous neighbors like Islamorada or Key West, Marathon remains relatively undiscovered among the angling crowd. But it’s not for lack of opportunities.
Tarpon Hotspots – Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda Bridge
A prime time to visit is during April and May when the annual tarpon migration happens right here at Bahia Honda State Park.
You see, these waters serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet for tarpon feeding on crabs flushed out by strong tides from Florida Bay into the Atlantic Ocean.
The iconic Seven Mile Bridge provides anglers with a unique vantage point to spot rolling tarpons that sometimes reach up to eight feet long. On average though they’re usually about four to five feet.(Stat 5). That’s longer than most refrigerators are tall.
- The longest recorded catch? A whopping 8ft-long silver king.(Stat 6)
- This area also sees an impressive number of permit fish migrating alongside their bigger cousins.
If bridges aren’t your thing, no worries. The sandy flats surrounding both sides of Bahia Honda offer another exciting challenge.
When casting flies around these areas be ready; Tarpons are known jumpers who won’t go down without a fight.
So, you might be wondering, “why is Marathon not as popular?”
The answer? A blessing in disguise: Accessibility. The shallow waters surrounding the Middle Keys make it hard for larger boats to navigate. This keeps away most of the crowd and leaves these prime fishing spots relatively undisturbed.
Lower Keys’ Big Pine Key – A Flats Fishing Paradise
You may have heard whispers of the legendary fishing found on Big Pine Key, but let me tell you, it’s no fish tale. Nestled in Florida’s Lower Keys, this little island gem is a flats fishing paradise.
Famous for its crystal clear waters and teeming with bonefish, permit, and tarpon species—it’s like Mother Nature crafted her own fly angler’s amusement park. But what sets Big Pine apart from other Florida Keys? It all comes down to location—and a special worm.
The Palolo Worm Hatch Phenomenon
Nope—that wasn’t an autocorrect fail. The Palolo worm hatch phenomenon truly happens here each year between May and June. These tiny worms rise en masse from their seabed homes creating an underwater buffet that attracts tarpon by the hundreds.
But why should you care about some wriggly sea critters? Because when these worms make their appearance—you can bet your lucky fishing hat that monster Tarpons aren’t far behind. They come ready to feed—providing fly anglers with a front-row seat to one of nature’s most epic feeding frenzies.
If timing your visit around millions of spawning worms isn’t your idea of vacation planning—don’t worry—the flats offer world-class fly-fishing opportunities year-round too.
Imagine casting your line over shimmering flats where Bonefish dart like silver bullets. These slippery speedsters are a fly angler’s dream and the waters around Big Pine Key hold some of the largest specimens in all of Florida. This is no fish story—just ask any local.
You can also try to reel in the elusive Permit, known for its powerful runs and stubborn fights that will test every bit of your fishing skill—and then some. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with admitting defeat against this feisty adversary.
The shallow flats surrounding Big Pine Key offer easy access to these three prestigious species—the ‘Grand Slam’ of fly-fishing. But remember, just because you’re fishing in paradise doesn’t mean it’ll always be easy—but isn’t that half the fun?
Sun Protective Saltwater Fly Fishing Apparel for the Florida Keys
Our Saltwater Fly Fishing Hoodies are the best performance wear on the market, with a built in facemask and UPF-50 Sun Protection. As well as a great out outer layer they are awesome base layer. I have worn them fishing the flats of Florida to the summit of Mount Yale (14,196 feet in elevation) in Colorado. If ordering as a base layer I would recommend ordering one size smaller, the Saltwater Graphic Hoodies are cut just a bit on the loose side to offer greater air flow for wicking moisture away keeping you cool on the flats. View the complete selection.
Sugarloaf Key’s Bonefish Season
If you’ve got a passion for bonefishing, Sugarloaf Key is your paradise from September through November. This tiny island, located about 15 miles east of Key West, becomes a hub for fly fishers who know that this time of year offers the best shot at hooking into some seriously hefty bonefish.
Why does Sugarloaf see such an influx during these months? Mother Nature puts on quite a spectacle this time of year. As water temperatures cool down in fall, it triggers one heck of a feeding frenzy among local bonefish populations. The flats around Sugarloaf are loaded with crabs and shrimp – essentially a seafood buffet line for hungry bonefish preparing for winter.
And boy do they feast. This results in fatter than usual catches which makes any angler’s heart skip a beat or two when they spot their rod bending like crazy.
Catching Bonefish: Tips and Techniques
You might think catching these beasts would be as easy as casting out and reeling them in but here’s where things get interesting. Bonefishing isn’t your average game fishing experience. These guys are wily; often called “ghosts of the flats,” because they can disappear before your eyes if you’re not careful.
To improve your chances make sure to match what those bones are feasting on. Crustacean imitating flies like Gotchas or Crazy Charlies work well.
A stealthy approach also goes long way; try keeping low profile while stalking these elusive creatures along the flats.
And, here’s a tip straight from an old-timer: watch out for that first lightning-fast run after hooking up. It’s been known to snap lines and shatter dreams faster than you can say “bonefish”.
Fishing Guides and Charters
If this is your first time or even if you’re a seasoned angler but new to Sugarloaf Key, hiring a local guide might be just what you need. A good local fishing charter service not only knows where the fish are biting but also understands their behavior during different seasons.
Great Gear Ideas & Items to Keep You Organized on the Water
Or choose an Adventure such as a Fly Fishing Tour of Italy or Sea Run Trout in Denmark Adventure Starts Here.
Keep your select of flies organized and at the ready with a Outta Box Pad, American Made.
Key West – The World-Class Permit Fishing Destination
For the ultimate permit fishing experience, Key West is an ideal destination. It’s not just a tropical haven with beautiful sunsets and key lime pies, but it also boasts some of the most fertile waters where permit thrive.
This silver-skinned sportfish, known for its endurance and speed, calls the warm shallow flats around Key West home. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans like crabs which are abundant in these parts. This makes them more predictable than other species making it easier to get them on your fly line.
Fishing Spots that Make You Say ‘Permit Me’
You don’t have to go far off shore here as permits frequent areas only knee-deep. They can be found tailing (that’s fish-speak for feeding) along sandy bottoms or cruising over seagrass beds in search of their next meal.
The Marquesas Keys and Western Dry Rocks are two spots well-known among anglers chasing this elusive catch. The sight of schools of permit against crystal clear blue water is enough to make any angler’s heart skip a beat.
A Game Of Tides And Time Create the Best Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
In Key West, timing plays an essential role when hunting for permits; they tend to feed during high tide so having knowledge about local tides will give you an edge. Checking the tides can be made easier with plenty of online tools available.
The months from March through July are generally considered the best for permit fishing, although they can be caught year-round. So if you’re planning a trip during this time, make sure your fly box is loaded with crab patterns.
Playing The Permit Game
Catching a permit on the fly isn’t just about casting and reeling in; it’s an intricate dance between angler and fish. A slow approach, accurate cast placement combined with some serious patience can get these finicky feeders biting.
Tips:
- A stealthy approach is crucial as permits have excellent eyesight and will bolt at any sign of danger.
The Marquesas Keys –
Just a short distance from Key West, you’ll discover the untouched splendor of the Marquesas Keys. This cluster of uninhabited islands is a fly fishing haven with its crystal-clear flats teeming with tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
A trip to this secluded spot can feel like time travel. It’s as if these waters have been untouched since Ponce de Leon first sailed past in 1513. But it’s not just about history; there are some serious fish stories here too.
Marquesas’ Fly Fishing Magic: Tarpon & Permit Galore
If chasing silver kings is your game, then brace yourself for an epic adventure. The annual tarpon migration through the Marquesas creates spectacular opportunities for anglers.
The shallow flats around these keys act like magnets to hungry tarpons looking for crabs and shrimp on their journey northwards during May and June each year. Hooking one will make any angler’s heart race.
You may think that only big-ticket species like tarpons rule these parts but wait till you hear about our next star – permit. You heard right. These finicky feeders thrive here due to rich grass beds attracting abundant crabs – their favorite meal.
Casting Flies Under Cobalt Skies: Bonefish fishing Bonanza
Bonefish might be smaller than those heavyweights we mentioned earlier but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re easy targets. They’re known as ‘grey ghosts’ because spotting them in the water can be tricky. However, when you do spot one and manage to get a fly in front of it – hold on tight.
The thrill of watching a bonefish charge your fly and then rocket off across the flats is something that gets every angler’s blood pumping. Plus, they’re here year-round so anytime is bonefishing time.
Marquesas’ Unmatched Beauty: Untamed & Undisturbed
The Marquesas Keys offer more than just fantastic fishing opportunities; their raw beauty adds an extra layer of appeal for nature lovers too.
FAQs in Relation to Best Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
Where is the best bonefishing in the Florida Keys?
The prime spot for bonefish is Sugarloaf Key, especially during peak season from September through November.
Where is the best flats fishing in the Florida Keys?
You’ll find world-class flats fishing at Big Pine Key. This hotspot teems with tarpon, permit, and bonefish all year round.
What is the best month to fish in the Florida Keys?
Fishing can be great anytime in The Keys but March to June are top months due to tarpon migration and Palolo worm hatch events.
Can you fly fish in Key West?
Absolutely. Fly fishing thrives around Key West, particularly targeting species like permit making it a sought-after destination for anglers worldwide.
Conclusion of the Best Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
So, you’ve explored the best fly fishing in the Florida Keys with us. What a ride!
We dove into unique waterscapes, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
You learned about distinct species that call these waters home: tarpon at Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda Bridge; bonefish around Sugarloaf Key.
The Everglades National Park offered its bounty while Big Pine Key lured us with world-class flats fishing. And who could forget Permit Paradise – also known as Key West?
But remember – every good angler respects their playground. Let’s keep this paradise pristine for generations of anglers to come!
Your adventure awaits… so go on, cast your line in these magnificent waters!
