Best place to start for bonefish and tarpon in the florida keys?

[curado]

Heading to the keys for a month and taking my haynie which im sure will feel right at home. I will be in Islamorada, however my boat will be on trailer and can travel. I am armed with my trusty chronarchs a new fly rod and a new stiffy pole that needs to get me some excercise. One question where to start? There is so much water. I have heard check bridges for tarpon and i read the flats around some of the key largo state parks have opportunity but thats about it. I would appreciate any info you have to share.

[poon chaser]

Depends on how you want to fish for them. But, from My experience there with those fish, I would say around marathon in the middle keys.

[curado]

Do you know by chance if it is better to run by boat or trailer? Obviously there will be a learning curve with the boat idea. I see it is a 40 minute or so drive by land and i can run that distance on fuel in the boat. Opinions?

[Im Headed South]

A month in the keys with your Haynie, what a lucky dog lol. Can't answer your questions but we are going for a week in a couple weeks. Have a trip out of key west planned and will be happy to pass on any knowledge we may gain while down there. What month will you be there? If your down while we are there I'd be happy to split expenses if you want a partner to go exploring with one day.

Mike

[grman]

I would hire a guide when you get there. Explain what you want to target and maybe spend more time boat riding with him that actually fishing. In other words, have him show you as many possible fishing spots rather than spending time fishing.

I think in the long run, probably save you more gas than the guide fee.

[curado]

The month of may. Shoot me a message. Cant promise i will be around key west but i will be around somewhere.

[curado]

I contemplated on the guide idea hard however they almost all seem to be booked and i will be fishing offshore as well and i could not commit to giving up a day that was available so late in the month that was open to the persons i called. I figured how hard could it be check all the flats near grass look for bait and if all else fails chunk some bait. Check any structure i can find. I am pretty sure just being out there is good enough for me the pictures will be a bonus

[Tailshot]

When I lived over there, this is where we sent the Texicans who brought their own boat...

[curado]

Thanks!!!

[shoalcat_james]

I went last year and charter. I'm dragging my Curlew in June down there for a week. I found a well known guide that will go out on your boat for a full day. You can fish, you can boat ride, or he will show you different tips for the type of fishing you want to do. I'm having go out to help show me boating channels of getting around the key islands and flats. I think logging chart routes will benifit me for years to come. We're also gonna do some flats fishing for reds and snooks near flamingo area keys. He charges $300. for a full day on your boat. I can get his name and number if interested. Channel 2 and channel 5 bridge near Long Key at late evening into night best for tarpon.