Fishing Frenzy

The Florida Keys remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, with people flocking there in their thousands each year. While the nightlife, laid-back lifestyle and superb weather are all significant factors in bringing tourists to this part of Florida, so is the angling. Key West tarpon fishing in particular remains a very big draw for people who enjoy quality time with rod and reel.

Some famous names have also enjoyed hunting big fish in the waters off the Florida Keys, with writers in particular seeming to be very keen on the kind of angling on offer here. Novelist Ernest Hemingway loved going after big game fish in the waters between Key West and Cuba. Zane Grey, famous for writing bestselling westerns, like to go after sailfish in the back country areas, and the inshore waters, close to Key West.

But you do not have to be a successful writer in order to enjoy what angling in this part of the world can offer. You can go angling for big, aggressive fish in the Florida Keys all year round, thanks to the marvelous climate. If you have one, you can also bring your own boat down the Keys, granting you massive freedom to fish where you think the best bites will come.

If you do not have a boat, then you can hire one, as there are plenty of charters available. Some party boats even offer night fishing trips for anglers who want to catch snapper and grouper amid the coral reefs. But if you are after tarpon, then light tackle and fly tackle are what you should be using, and you should be heading to the flats in the back country of Key West, just like Zane Grey.

Tarpon anglers tend to enjoy success using light tackle in the Keys, with bites frequent and some really good sized fish lurking in local waters. The boats which transport light tackle anglers here are some of the most flexible angling boats anywhere in the world. They can handle close in work in inshore waters, and cope just as well with going out beyond the reef in search of large sailfish, largely thanks to their central console system.

These boats often use chum and by-catch from shrimping boats to help entice the fish in. Indeed, such is the density of fish in the harbor, that it is not unusual to see tarpon anglers enjoy multiple hook ups on multiple occasions during a trip. If you want to add to the variety of the experience, then angling at night for this kind of fish can also be classed as a different sport.

Spinning tackle is best to use for night-time angling, and the most successful fishermen tend to operate close in to where the deep channels run. Dusk is always a good time to start. It is also essential to set the hook hard, in order to deal with the famously tough mouth of the tarpon.

Key West tarpon fishing makes for a great way of spending a holiday, and almost certainly guarantees you great sport. It is not the angling which is enjoyable in the Florida Keys either. With great nightlife to enjoy, as well as southern hospitality and wonderful weather, you are certain to return relaxed.