Year Round Fly Fishing the Islamorada Area of the Florida Keys

In Flamingo, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish and Sharks dominate the scene. So many opportunities are available that it is difficult to determine which to pursue. Casting at the trees with weedless flies often results in some great winter snook action in Flamingo, Shark River and Whitewater Bay areas. Redfishing can be a little slow but they are available to the flyfisherman.

One of the most under rated gamefish in the area are the Sharks. Fly fishers can have success with Bull, Blacktip, Lemon, and Tiger Sharks in the winter. Chumming with barracuda or ladyfish can bring in these supreme predators onto the flats and in range of a big orange fly. Fish these sharks with a 12 weight or more and try to bring the fly even with the shark's eye to draw a strike. Be very careful in these situations as the sharks chummed in are at the most aggressive.

Jacks, Mackerel, and trout can be found in great numbers in the winter and provide anglers of all skill levels success with a fly rod. Spring month's signal the coming tarpon and any nice day through the winter and spring can be gangbusters for big tarpon. Big fish will lay up throughout the backcountry areas and be very willing to bite. Anglers need calm sunny conditions to consistently find and catch these fish and a cold front can send them back to deep water as fast as they came in.

Bonefishing in the Islamorada area in the spring is the best in the world for attempting to catch a personal or world record fish. "Downtown" Islamorada is the best place on the planet for fish over 14 pounds. These fish are ultra wary, but available. Fish these areas on the incoming water and look for mudding and tailing fish. On the outgoing water fish will feed and mud heavily.

Tarpon migrate on the ocean for the entire length of the Keys during the spring and summer months and bring in anglers from around the world. Staking out virtually anywhere on the ocean can give anglers many shots at the migratory fish. Hot spots will include Long Key, Conch Key, and the Oceanside of Islamorada and Key Largo. Show consideration to other anglers and try to not come in less than a ¼ mile away from another boat.

Summer months mean that the Flamingo area catches fire as Redfish are tailing all over the backcountry and Flamingo areas. Hot calm days are the peak of the season for sight casting Reds in ultra shallow water. Anglers in Kayaks and Canoes can get right into the action from Flamingo boat ramp. Just in front and in site of Flamingo Lodge, Redfish tail well on the incoming tide. Take bug repellent and lots of flies with weedguards.

Try the areas around Nine Mile Bank for bonefish on the incoming water and do not forget about the underfished areas of Downtown this time of year.

Fall fishing means great tournament action for bonefish, redfish, and permit. Tournaments include the Redbone series, Fall Fly, Fall All Tackle Bonefish, Ranger Redfish Tour, and many more. Tournaments are popular this time of year due to the consistent and extraordinary fishing opportunities.

Anglers who have read or heard the legendary stories of the Islamorada area and have not yet experienced this fishery are encouraged to do so.