How is fishing in March & April???

[skeller001]

My wife and I are getting ready to plan a few days in Florida this upcoming March or April. We haven't even decided where yet due to a close death. I will be bored to death if I don't get some fishing in. We are thinking somewhere from the keys to the gulf. Any reccomendations on where to go or what to fish for? I am not even sure what is in then. Since my wife hates boats it would just be me so i can't really justify a charter for just me. Thanks for any help you may be able to offer!!!!

[Capt Bob]

well either month will totally blow your mind down here in the Keys...it wqould be hard to beat Islamorada and or Marathon, for a few days I'd choose Islamorada, there are more boats there per square mile than any other place in the world, ( a little useless fact I picked up somewhere)...the mullet run should be in full force and Tarpon will be EVERYWHERE as well as a host of other species, weather is always mild but some times breezy BUT the bridges provide some outstanding fishing Tarpon, Shark, Permit, Jacks, Snook, Snapper, Grouper.... and there's plenty for the Mrs to do also in the area
AND a lot of really good places to eat and some OUTSTANDING sunsets

in fact I'm going back up to a bridge tomorrow, was there Wed Eve and had TONS of good size Tarpon along with some real beasts, a couple of HUGE sharks, and enough Jacks to keep my hands cramped for a day and a half

[Alley Cat]

We expect to be there about the same time ((month of April) this is strictly a month long fishing trip and will be our first time there We will be staying on Long Key which is about halfway between Islamarado and Marathon. The wind statements worry me a little we ran into the same thing that time of year in the Ft. Pierce area Look at my posting: Help in the middle keys. I got some good responses.

[Capt Bob]

generally when it's blowing there's always fishable water...may have to switch from offshore to Gulfside or to inshore areas but plenty to target...keep an open mnind and go for it...long key is a short 5 min up from my area so try the Island Fish House and Tiki Bar (across from the Holiday Inn) just as you enter Marathon it's on the right (you can see the heliport from US1) also is Porky's Too down at MM47 just before the 7 mi bridge...real locals "joint" but real friendly with good food...The Wreck & galley next to the DRC MM 59 has good food and the only club sandwich in the area and the Thursday night ribs are a deal at $14.99

the Hideaway is a restaurant at Rainbow Bend and has a reputation for being THE STEAK PLACE if you are looking for one...
check out Al B's posts for the places he ate w/ his wife on Islamorada

[JFP123]

There are a number of party boats in Islamorada and Key West (probably other places too) if you dont want to pay for a charter yourself. You should consider a Tarpon trip with a guide though, esp if you are into April. Usually they fish 4-dark and cost about $400. Its worth it.

[skeller001]

Thanks for the information guys!!! Now I have some spots to eat, stay, and an idea on the fishing. I don't care what I fish for, I just want to fish!!!

[Capt Bob]

fishing from the bridges can be extremely good as well...check the forum section for the Monroe county posts on Boatless Fishing Florida fishing Piers Bridges Jetties Beaches I was on Long Key bridge the other night and found Tarpon stacked like firewood as well as big sharks and lots of Jacks and Cudas

[Al B]

Hey guys - I was there the second week of April '07 (14th trip to Islamorada/Marathon)... had a BLAST. One of my best trip yet.

This time of year, the wind direction will determine water temp, which will have an effect on the Tarpon bite. Blackfin and Dolphin domainated the offshore scene when I was there... but I'm not much into that. All of my time was reef fishing and Tarpon fishing.

I Tarpon fished with Capt. Chris of Stray Cat Charters out of World Wide Sportsman one afternoon, and would DEFINITELY recommend Chris to anyone. He was very flexible in rescheduling our trip (several times) around the weather and was determined to put us on fish.

Catching yellowtail is fairly easy. Rent a boat, buy twice the amount of chum you think you'll need, 12 lb florocarbon leaders, #1 or #2 hooks, split shot on the leader and head to one of the many marked or patch reefs.

I rented a place for a FRACTION of the cost through Vacation Rentals by Owner ( ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner ). We ended up choosing Futura Yacht Club. Gated development with a boat ramp/pool. 2 bedroom condo for less than I could rent a hotel room for... no brainer.

I also found this site to be very helpful: InterMedia Outdoors Forums: Keys FAQ Thread Ver 3.0 LOTS of info here.

Some places to eat that were GREAT:
Lazy Dayz - Cook your catch - Do a bottom fishing trip aboard one of the headboats and bring your yellowtail to them... AWESOME. We ended up eating there three times in a week.
Bobs Bunz for breakfast... outstanding.
Uncles in Islamorada - Classic place, lots of history... outstanding food.
Lora-Lei - Casual bar setting. Went there almost daily for sunset cocktails/apps.
Morada Bay - Most upscale of the resturants we went to... but well worth it. FANTASTIC.

[Echo]

What Al and Bob both said, but adding, don;t forget to make reservations at these places for dinner. They are very popular and you don't want to be left waiting.

( The yellow tail story Al tells is a TAD harder than he makes it, but you get the drift) They call it " flat lining for yellow tail" don't cast, drop bait over side and open bail, let it drift back, naturally. Shouldn't take long at all, if your into them. Buy chum and glass minnows at Super Market. ( CHeaper) Unless your down for a week and then buy at E-fish 305-745-3887, Mile Marker 22.5 REAL CHEAP and really nice stone claws for dinner.

Read all of my escapades down there last year. There all on page three of Florida Keys board. Enjoy... This is first year in like 10 I'll be missing out.

[Echo]

Damn you people ! I walk away from my computer and all I can think about are the Keys..

Couple of more things. If you want a nice evening on the water and have deep pockets, you have to try Little Palm Island. Its probably a buck 50 a head, and the food is okay, but the experience is memorable and your wife will be putty in your hands afterwards.

Second thing, i was at World Class Fishing, and one of the guys was explaining to somebody about fresh shrimp. They do have to be fresh, but they don't have to be alive. People spend $$$ on aerators and such and its just not required. I was in Daytona fishing Lagoon and guide had same sentiments. He had 10 dozen shrimp, all fresh, but packed on ice.

Learned a MAJOR tip. Buy long shanked hooks. Bite head of shrimp off, and thread hook from head to mid section, with tip coming out mid body, Should look very natural. You can cast a mile, it discourages bit offs and just works really well.

If your gonna rent a boat for a day, try No Name Key Bridge Marina. VERY quiet, very beautiful. Careful with the depth, you can find yourself in no water real quick, just follow the markers. You'll be all by yourself.

Bmail me if you need anything further. Have a really good time and don;t forget they have Internet down ther, keep us posted.