subject: Whale Meet Again In Florida [print this page] Those who visit the Florida Keys will find a tropical Caribbean paradise in their own back yard. Despite being only 90 miles from Cuba and a short plane ride from any one of the Caribbean resort islands, the Florida Keys are part of the United States and connected by highway to the mainland. No boats or planes required.
The Keys are actually a string of islands that start with Key Largo in the north and end with the storied Key West in the south, residence to Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Between, there are actually hundreds of islands, a number of which remain unoccupied. Because of the Keys' distinctive geographical place in the warm waters between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and because of the many coral reefs and sand bars that make up the island succession, the Keys are home to a number of the finest salt water fishing in the United States and have colorful Florida vacation rentals to cook up your catch in.
Beginning in the north with Key Largo and the islands in its vicinity, Islamorada is a major destination for sport fishermen. Islamorada is its own island, but it is in near enough proximity to Key Largo and the mainland that it sees a considerable quantity of traffic from those two places. Staying in a vacation rental at Key Largo and fishing at Islamorada is a distinct opportunity, while Key West, a two hour drive down U.S. Highway 1, is a bit out of reach.
Each fishing season brings tournaments and competitions to Key Largo and Islamorada. Bonefish are a common catch near the island, while deep sea fishing for sailfish is a frequent pastime. If you plan on fishing, keep in mind that a fishing license is essential in Florida waters, no matter what kind of fish you propose to catch or what season of the year. A license is obtainable from bait shops, marinas, and is frequently provided as part of the fee for a charter vessel.
Speaking of charters, there are seemingly endless opportunities to hire charter fishing vessels in the Florida Keys. Many motels, hotels, and vacation rentals maintain their own charter vessel or fleet, and the number of private charters that can literally be seen from the highway may prove unbelievable to someone from other parts of the United States.
At the other end of the island chain, the fishing in Key West is as varied as it is outstanding. The clear backcountry waters off Key West impart an opportunity for angling. An experienced guide into the backcountry is an absolute must for folks interested in fly fishing or merely exploring the unspoiled wilderness of Florida Keys.
For some authentic fishing exhilaration, book a bed breakfast and charter some deep sea fishing off Key West. Its the greatest in the country. Putting yourself in the shoes of Ernest Hemingway, a charter vessel will take you out into the Gulf Stream to search for marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. All of these valued game fish can without doubt be found in the waters between the keys and Cuba.
