Keys in mid-May

cliftoma · Mar-14-2007, 06:08 PM

My brothers, my dad and I are thinking of planning a trip to the Keys in mid-May.

My first question is what species are hot at that time of year? We are open to both offshore and wreck fishing. Additionally, my brother, whose graduation we will be celebrating, likes to target sharks. We'll probably be fishing a couple of days so we can target a variety of species.

My other questions are related to finding accomodations and charter captains. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

mr. helmet · Mar-14-2007, 06:34 PM

Hey my family is going to Key West in July. We went to Islamorada in June 2 years ago and got some king mackeral and sailfish, if that helps. Also, it was wideopen Jack Crevalle fishing on whatever you threw at them.

pupuplatter · Mar-14-2007, 09:10 PM

Tarpooon...

cliftoma · Mar-17-2007, 10:33 PM

Any specific info on captains or accomodations?

Nomad · Mar-18-2007, 07:56 AM

Scouted out the Keys when I was back in Miami for the boat show last month. Best options for fishing seem to be Islamorada and Marathon. Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada (oceanside) is a beautiful place but pricey. Great tackle store (saltwater shop owned by Bass Pro Shops) across the street with charter boats behind it (bayside).

Florida Keys Resorts | Cheeca Lodge | Florida Fun Family Vacation Spots

Islamorada Florida Sporting Goods - Islamorada Fishing & Hunting Gear - Bass Pro Shops

Also, some info from Marlin Magazine on guides and catch report:

Marlin

Hooops · Mar-18-2007, 09:29 AM

For shits and giggles - be sure to feed the tarpon - I believe the place is called Bobby's boats? - it's right under the bridge just south of Islamorada.

You buy a bucket of bait and a bucket of beer and hand feed the tarpon.

Rum Runner is the drink of choice - after 10 with 151 proof floaters - you won't want to fish the next day - believe me...

Outhouse · Mar-18-2007, 11:15 AM

Guys, I am clueless about west coast fishing, but I have been to the Key's a bunch and it is always fun. First to the Captain, check out Key Limey, just do a search. He runs out of Key West. He was recently on ESPN where he won some shark tournament.

I was there two years ago for my 50th in May. We caught a bunch of AJ's, yellow tail snappers (Yum) and 8 big permits. We tried for sails, but it was too windy that day. That time of the year, there is no telling what you will catch, lots of options. Key West is a blast as well.

DaGoose · Mar-18-2007, 02:15 PM

Cliftoma,

It's probably a bit late but check out the Abaco's about 110 miles due east of Miami. Made our first trip last March. Going again this May. Just a 30 minute flight from Miami or Ft Lauderdale. Basically, you fly into Marsh Harbor, hop in your rental boat, then head off to a cottage on a cay with your own private dock. It will run about $350- $400 a day for the boat and cottage once there. Shoot me a pm if you have any questions!

Rick

cliftoma · Mar-29-2007, 06:57 PM

Haven't heard back from Key Limey yet, but alot of captains in Key West are already booked for our dates.

Anybody fish with Capt. Rob Nevius of Jerkwater Charters?

After doing a couple weeks of research, I contacted Capt. Mike Weinhofer of Compass Rose. However, he was booked for the dates that I needed. So, he recommended Nevius of Jerkwater. I really don't know alot about him.

I have also contacted Trosset of Spindrift Charters (featured in Nov. '06 Sportfishing Mag for "Wahoo Secrets"), Cheerio Charters, and Captain Hook.

Any info that anybody could provide on these captains/charter co's would be greatly appreciated. I definitely need to make a decision quickly.

PAYRAZE · Mar-30-2007, 01:29 PM

I will be fishing off Islamorada for my second time May 20. I will be utilizing the same guide I used two years ago - Russ of the Rusty IV. On our first trip we spent 1 day in the back bay hammering the speckled sea trout on topwaters. That was so much fun that I hired Russ for a 1/2 day charter two days later and specified that I wanted to catch a permit. Twenty minutes after leaving the harbor I was hooked into a 17lb permit - they are an awesome fish. Ten minutes later my wife is on a permit that was eventually eaten by an estimated 500lb + goliath grouper.The fishing in the keys is so amazing you won't believe the possibilties.

If Islamorada is a possibility I would recommend Cheeca Lodge for a room - pricey but totally first class. Go on the web FLA-KEYS and you can check out all of the lodging and guide services. I can't give Russ a higher recommendation - a gentleman to my wife, a great fisherman and a total kick to spend a day with.Enjoy the Keys - it is heaven for a fisherman.

Outhouse · Mar-30-2007, 08:02 PM

Also check out Mark Schmidt. I fished with him over 10 years ago and he was great. He left Key West for a while but I recently saw that he was back. He was on ESPN's World Of Saltwater Fishing. Do a search by his name. Don't fail to call Key Limey though. Tony is a great guide and a blast to fish with. If he is booked, he can refer you to someone good. He runs out of the same marina as the Spanish Fly from ESPN.

scuba e · Mar-31-2007, 08:02 AM

Not sure if it still there. Captain Pips in Marathon. It is a compound built by the teamsters union. Hoffa stayed there in the winter.
Nice places and they gave us a 22' CC Mako.
Tarpon, Lemon shark, Snapper, Dodo's out side.
It was fun but it was a non-stop 20-30mph wind. Sucked in a 22' boat.