Fly Fishing in Florida Keys: Essential Tips for Beginners
Fly fishing in Florida Keys offers an unparalleled experience amidst stunning scenery and abundant marine life, from mangrove lined backwaters to crystal-clear shallows and reefs.
Pick the right spot, and you’ll enjoy a legendary experience where the pristine waters are teeming with permit, bonefish, tarpon – and more!
However, part of the allure of the Florida Keys being a fishing paradise, is due to its strict regulations in place to protect this delicate ecosystem.
Here are some essential tips to get you started on your Florida Keys fly fishing adventure, from choosing your target to navigating the legalities and maximizing your chances of landing a legendary catch.
Fly Fishing versus Regular Fishing
In fly fishing, anglers often aim to catch fish that are feeding near or at the water’s surface. It typically involves using lightweight gear and artificial flies that imitate insects or small creatures on the water’s surface, or just below it.
Regular fishing focuses on catching fish that are deeper in the water, using heavier gear and bait or lures that are weighted and sink down to attract fish below the surface and in deeper waters.
Best Times of the Year for Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys experience different seasons throughout the year, each offering unique fly fishing opportunities.
The best times of year to fly fish in the Florida Keys depend on the species you are targeting.
When planning a fly fishing trip to the Florida Keys, it’s important to consider the weather conditions. The summer months can be hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
The winter months are cooler and more comfortable, but strong cold fronts can make fishing challenging. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
Top 3 Fly Fishing Species Plus Best Times of the Year...
There are a variety of fish to target while wading the shallows or from your shallow flats boat. Here are the 3 most common types of fish anglers target:
Tarpon
For tarpon, the best time to visit is during the spring and early summer months, from March to June.
This is when the tarpon migrate through the area, providing anglers with exciting opportunities to hook into these powerful fish.
The fall months, from September to November, also offer good tarpon fishing as they begin their migration back south.
- Approximate Size: 20-200+ pounds
- Appearance: Large, silver-scaled fish with a distinctive elongated body and massive jaws, large scales, and prominent eyes
- Catch and Release: Tarpon are catch-and-release only for regular folks (competitions and pros can look further into a one-a-year-tag from FWC).
- Important Details: Tarpon are powerful fish known for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs, making them one of the most sought-after species in Florida Keys. These fish are VERY protected, so if you catch one over 40lbs, release while it’s in the water. This is due to how heavy they are, and how much more they get injured by the hook if pulled up out of the water.
- FWC Tarpon Regulations website for most up-to-date regulations and helpful information
Bonefish
Bonefish can be found year-round in the Florida Keys, but the best time to target them is during the cooler months of November to February.
During this time, the water temperatures are lower, making the bonefish more active and easier to catch.
- Approximate Size: 2-15 pounds
- Appearance: Silver-colored with dark bands along the top of the body fading down, slender and streamlined, forked tail
- Catch and Release: Bonefish are catch-and-release only.
- Important Details: Known for their speed and challenging behavior, bonefish are often found on the flats, feeding on crustaceans and small fish.
- FWC Bonefish Regulations website for most up-to-date regulations and helpful info.
Permit
Permit fishing in the Florida Keys is best during the spring and summer months, from April to August.
This is when they are most abundant and can be found on the flats feeding on crabs and shrimp.
- Approximate Size: 5-30 pounds
- Appearance: Oval-shaped body with a deeply forked tail, silvery with dark vertical bars along the sides, distinctive rounded head and humped back.
- Catch and Release: Often targeted for catch and release, although some anglers may keep legal-sized fish for consumption
- Important Details: Permit (known as “Silver King of the flats” are renowned for being tricky to catch.. Key West is becoming known as the “Permit Capital of the World” due to the size and numbers of these fantastic fish.
- FWC Permit and Pompano Regulations website for most up-to-date regulations and helpful info.
Other Popular Fish Types to Target for Fly Fishing
- Snook: Aggressive fighters found in inshore areas like mangroves and backcountry.
- Redfish: Another hard-fighting inshore species inhabiting flats and shallow bays.
- Spotted Seatrout: A smaller but fun-to-catch inshore fish found in flats and around structure.
Flats vs. Backcountry: Choosing Your Best Spots!
Flats Fly Fishing
Flats fishing is extremely popular in the Florida Keys. For fly fishing, it’s a bit more of a challenge as you’re limiting yourself to specifically lighter on-surface lures.
Find shallow flats to wade, or fish off a small flats boat. It’s fun to spot tailing fish (fish feeding with their tail breaking the water), and make precise casts to present your fly.
Key West, Islamorada, and Big Pine Key are all popular spots for flats fishing, and fishing Marquesas Keys is probably the insider’s favorite of favorites.
Backcountry Fly Fishing
The backcountry offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden coves and mangrove channels, targeting snook, redfish, and tarpon.
The entire chain of Florida Keys have a vast network of mangrove forests and channels to explore and fish in. For fly fishing in particular, Islamorada, Big Pine Key and the Marquesas Keys are fantastic choices.
For a no-brainer amazing vacation for the fly fishing angler and the entire family, Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck’s Key is a legendary choice.
Most Popular Fly Fishing Spots in the Florida Keys
Here’s a list of the most popular fly fishing spots in the Florida Keys, categorized by their specialty:
Flats Fishing for the most popular tarpon, permit and bonefish:
Islamorada: Often dubbed the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada offers excellent flats fishing for permit, bonefish, and tarpon. The clear waters and abundant flats make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Key West: The southernmost tip of the Keys boasts excellent flats for bonefish and tarpon fishing. The Marquesas Keys, located west of Key West, are another great option for flats enthusiasts who want to fish an even greater variety of fish in abundance.
Big Pine Key: This island is known for its exceptional bonefishing, with some areas offering wadeable flats perfect for sight-casting.
Backcountry Exploration:
Marquesas Keys: A remote island chain west of Key West, the Marquesas Keys offer a true backcountry experience. The labyrinthine mangrove forests and shallow flats are teeming with snook, redfish, and permit.
Cudjoe Key and Sugarloaf Key: These connected islands offer a variety of backcountry fishing opportunities, from mangrove channels to hidden coves. They are popular spots for targeting snook, redfish, and tarpon.
Florida Bay: Located between the middle and lower Keys, Florida Bay is a vast expanse of shallow water with numerous islands and mangrove shorelines.
Remember: Fishing regulations and access can vary between locations, so it’s always a good idea to check with local fly fishing shops or guides before heading out.
Booking a Charter or Going DIY
For beginners, a guided charter is the best way to get started. Experienced guides know the best flats, have the right equipment, and can teach you proper casting techniques and fish handling.
Also, the pro guides on your charter will make sure all laws and regulations are adhered to, which can be quite a challenge for the newbie fly fisherman.
For experienced anglers who are familiar with saltwater fly fishing, they may opt to explore the flats on their own.
However, a local guide can still be valuable for navigating unfamiliar waters and maximizing your chances of success.
Gear Suggestions for Florida Keys Fly Fishing
Having the right gear is essential for a successful fly fishing trip in the Florida Keys. Here is a checklist of the essential gear you will need if you’ll be doing DIY fly fishing (if you book a guide and/or charter they’ll most likely be providing the main tackle):
- Fly rod: A 9-foot, 8 or 9-weight fly rod is recommended for targeting tarpon, bonefish, and permit in the Florida Keys.
- Fly reel: A large arbor reel with a strong drag system is necessary to handle the powerful runs of tarpon and permit.
- Fly line: A weight-forward floating line is suitable for most fly fishing situations in the Florida Keys.
- Leaders and tippet: 9 to 12-foot leaders with 10 to 16-pound tippet are recommended for tarpon, bonefish, and permit.
- Flies: A selection of flies that imitate the prey species of tarpon, bonefish, and permit, such as crab and shrimp patterns.
You’ll also want to have these items for your Florida Keys adventure, which won’t be provided by a guide or charter:
- Polarized sunglasses: Essential for spotting fish in the clear waters of the Florida Keys.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Wading boots or flats shoes: Non-slip footwear that can handle wet and slippery conditions.
- Fly fishing vest or pack: To carry all your gear and essentials while on the water.
It’s important to have the right gear for the Florida Keys because the conditions can be challenging.
The strong winds, shallow flats, and powerful fish require gear that can handle these conditions. Investing in quality gear will ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable fly fishing trip.
Essential Permits, Licenses, Regulations
Don’t Forget Your Fishing License!
A valid Florida fishing license is required for all anglers. You can obtain your Florida Saltwater Fishing License online or at local tackle shops.
Check out the FishRules App by Fishbrain. It’s the FWC- recommended app to use to stay up-to-date on all fishing laws, regulations, permit requirements etc. plus it gives plenty of helpful tips.
With these essential tips in mind, you’re well on your way to experiencing the magic of fly fishing in the Florida Keys. So grab your fly rod, cast a line, and witness the beauty of this unique fishery.
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FAQs for Florida Keys Fly Fishing
What is fly fishing?
Fly fishing is a method of fishing that uses a lightweight lure called a “fly”, and specialized rod, reel and line on the surface of the water or just below.
What are the best spots for fly fishing in the Florida Keys?
Some of the best spots for fly fishing in the Florida Keys include the flats around Islamorada, the Marquesas Keys, and the backcountry waters of the Everglades including Flamingo.
What types of fish can be caught while fly fishing in the Florida Keys?
Fly fishing in the Florida Keys can yield a variety of fish, including bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, redfish, and trout.
What are some tips for fly fishing in the Florida Keys?
Some tips for fly fishing in the Florida Keys include using light tackle, being patient and observant, and practicing your casting technique. It’s also important to pay attention to the tides and weather conditions.
What equipment do I need for fly fishing in the Florida Keys?
To fly fish in the Florida Keys, you will need a specialized fly rod, reel, and line, as well as a selection of flies. You may also want to invest in polarized sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. A guide can provide all necessary equipment if you don’t have your own.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish in the Florida Keys?
Yes, a fishing license is required to fly fish in the Florida Keys. Licenses can easily be obtained online through the FWC website or at local tackle shops.
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