Big Pine Key in mid-July

[hankmb]

Family and I towing our 19' Key Largo and 14' jon boat to Big Pine Key in mid-July. We are staying near the No Name Bridge(old wooden bridge). . Fishing will be our MAIN activity. Want to give the boys a taste of the types of fishing down there ie., flats,bridges, reefs, backcountry, etc.

At that time of year, what species are running?

I know they want to try barracuda and shark(highlight of our trip last time in Fl. was a 100# Bull shark in Pine Island Sound).
How about Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit?
The Snappers and Groupers?
Dolphin may be too far out for us...still plan on purchasing charts for reef and wreck locations.

Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions you might have.

Hank

[Capt Bob]

if the winds hold off, the dolphin should only be a few miles past the reef...if it's windy, the water gets pretty big as the Gulfstream is only about 14-15 miles out at that point....sharks... the Bahia Honda Bridge will have all the big sharks ya could ever hope for including BIG BULLS...there will be big Cudas there as well...BARACUDA IS A PRIME SHARK BAIT>>>SHARKS LOVE THEM!!! LITERALLY TO DEATH...Have the kids ask at school...just before I moved to Vegas a school put a underwater webcam at Bahai Honda Bridge and posted the address for other schools to access it...Tarpon in the evenings around the bridges is almost a no brainer...I always liked and used a lively pinfish under a float ( about 3 feet)...SNAPPER and Grouper should be no problem out on the reef and around the bridge pilings as well...LOTS of chum for the Snapper... if ya think ya need 4 blocks...take 8 ....and I mean that!!!...no chum...no bites...


your chances on the bonefish and Permit get better a bit north say starting at around Hawks Cay and all the flats up into Islamorada...

There is a good free chart available at most tourist places and tackle shops....has places marked as well as the "go find your owns"


hope this helps some...No Name Pub is always a fun place as well....DO NOT FEED OR HIT A KEYS DEER!!!!...you don't have enough money to post the bail for messing with them...

[hankmb]

Thanks Capt Bob. That info ought to start building some excitement for the trip. Thanks again. Hank