Florida Keys

[Gopher]

In April I am looking at being in the Florida Keys for about a week. I am thinking of taking my 6 wt. I know there is good bonefishing and others that would take more than a 6wt. Is there any surf fishing I could do without a guide or boat that a newbe to flyfishing could enjoy? Suggestion on flies? Thanks

[Mitch Callas]

For bonefish, your probably gonna want something more than a 6 weight. I think a 9 weight is better suited for the bonefish down there. I was there for 2 weeks last summer, and I did go out for bonefish once with a guide. I had been trying to get one on my own to no avail. If you have never done before, I would definately recommend using a guide. When I went with him, I realized that I really didn't know what the heck I was doing. We were tossing small crab patters. I asked around some of the fly shops, and they showed me some areas I could try to find some fish on my own so I would recommend asking there. If you do decide to go with a guide, he had rods to use so I wouldn't worry about that. Hope this helps, feel free to ask more. Hopefully someone else has more info for ya.

Mitch

[D3smartie]

I used my 6wt Xi2 down there last year and it was ok. A little light but it held its own.
There are some spots to walk and wade the flats but i couldnt tell you where they are. One of the shops should be able to trade you some info if you head in there.
Good luck

[NWFloridian]

Do NOT try and catch Keys bones with a 6 weight. Even if you have a saltwater worthy setup (unlikely), you'll be asking for trouble for a couple of reasons. First, the wind is ALWAYS a factor down there. Just imagine trying to make a 70 foot cast into a 20 knot wind with accuracy. You're going to need something to punch through the wind.

Second, a six weight would be ok in some parts of the Bahamas or elsewhere where the bones run 2 pounds or so. In most parts of the keys, you're going to be looking at fish in the 6-10 pound range on a regular basis. You need something with a little muscle to handle those fish. Think turbocharged steelhead on evil steroids and you'll get my drift.

A good all-around outfit would be an 8 or 9 weight with 150 yards of backing. Check with the locals for the hot patterns. Crabs, shrimp, aquatic worms, and small fish are all on the menu.

I would also STRONGLY recommend hiring a good guide. In places where the flats are accessible (Bahamas, Christmas Island, etc.), you can walk and wade. Depending on where you are in the Keys and what side (Atlantic/Gulf), the flats can be far away, too soft to walk, or both. A guide will put you on the right flat on the right tide.

After you hire the guide, you can probably find some fish on the flats along Bahia Honda, just on the other side of the Seven Mile Bridge.

One more thing... practice your casting. You need to be able to make 60-90 foot casts with accuracy in ANY wind condition. The worst thing that can happen is to hire a good guide, get in front of fish, and not be able to deliver your cast because it's too windy/coming from the wrong direction. Don't ask me how I know this...

Have fun down there!

Dave

[ahub]

:yeahthat: me, too. I thought I practiced enough, really not even close. get a book on fishing out of a flats boat with a guide and pay particular attention to the parts about the clock, less false casts, clearing line and LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE! have fun and keep you fingers away from fast moving objects, with or without teeth.