Florida Keys Fishing Tips and Tricks

As with any fishery, local knowledge is where the buck stops. Here in the Lower Florida Keys, there are some tact’s we use to improve our chances of success based on the knowledge we bring to the table—in preparation for your trip!

It is imperative to focus on the largest part of your preparedness here. Unlike most freshwater fishing; distance, timing, and accuracy play an integral part in presenting the fly at the required time and distance. 

To accomplish this task, the Double Haul is your Excalibur. Focusing on the front-haul and back-haul, you’re essentially super-charging your line speed as you go from “10-2” in false casting.

It is also a great idea to apply the other techniques used aboard a skiff: keeping the rod at a 45-degree angle as opposed to directly overhead (at a 90-degree angle); hauling line “downwind” or “over the water”(never casting over the boat).

Stacking the line “from the reel” on top of itself in preparation for casting at a fish. Use a stripping basket or, more commonly, the cockpit of the boat in order to keep your line clean and clear of fouling. Keeping about a rods length of fly-line out of the end guide (approx 9′-10′) in order to make fewer false casts with an approaching target. And ALWAYS hold your fly in hand and not drag the fly in the water.

Rod selection (in weight) is another vital component. Whether you are fishing for large, adult migrating Tarpon or off the boat, wading to a tailing Bonefish and/or Permit—there are many factors to consider. The size of the fish you’re targeting and conditions make up the majority of this decision. This topic can be over-analyzed, however, the most important item in discussion goes back to the saying, “don’t bring a knife to a gunfight”. Having the “right tool for the job“ is where we want to live. That said, a 9# and an 11# will be the most likely candidates. Allow your guide to provide you with the “in-betweens”. Most fly fishing guides have an overwhelming supply of gear to aid in your success…use it!!

Fly line is as important if not more important than the rod. There are many options (once again) and filtering through the sensory overload can be a tremendous task. Luckily, experienced guides have waded through most of the muck and have their go-to fly lines. Whether you’re looking for a longer taper of shorter taper, floating or intermediate, colored line or transparent, textured or smooth, yada yada yada… All options have their time and place, most important of all is that you can get your fly to the right place at the right time, given the conditions. For most applications, floating-tropical weighted forward is our go-to. 

Leaders are fairly basic as well. There are pre-made, mechanically tapered leaders made by Rio and Scientific Anglers or you can opt to create your own. If you’re planning to become or are already a saltwater fly fishing connoisseur, I recommend this option as you’ll get more bang for your buck. Take a look at my basic leader formulas below: 

Fly selection is going to be a large—if not the largest—part of your guide’s intervention. Whether you have fished with other guides in the area or not, don’t be surprised when your guide pulls out the nippers to make a change to your current fly selection. That said, a conversation beforehand can provide you with enough time to tie your own or purchase what works best for your trip. 

There is a ridiculous amount of information made available to use everyday. Getting through to the good stuff is where we all hope to be. That said, I’ve learned a great deal from just a couple or books. 

First, Lefty Kreh, “Fly Casting”. Lefty’s words and instruction is the authority on this matter.

Second, Chico Fernandez, “Fly Fishing for Bonefish”. Though this book speaks in depth about Bonefish, it is a great read to cover many hot topics (ie how to prepare for a guided trip, when and where for casting at fish, eating habits, etc…) as well as applied approaches for other species.

Third, Andy Mill’s “A Passion for Tarpon”. There’s a lot to be said about first-hand accounts as well as applied techniques and this read will bring both.

YouTube is an excellent source for videos on just about every topic. In order to visualize the context and put it to work. Once again, a lot of muck here so it’s best to consult your guide in order to practice what counts.