Saltwater Fly Fishing in Key West
Saltwater fly fishing in Key West provides a thrilling adventure, for every angler particularly when you’re quietly navigating the shallow flats from Marathon to Key West armed with a fly rod in hand! The Lower Keys have quite the reputation for drawing in anglers year after year; many come back seeking redemption, against the tarpon that managed to escape after a battle or to try out a freshly crafted crab fly aimed at tempting a permit into striking! Once you dive into the world of saltwater fly fishing. Feel that rush of excitement and challenge… Well lets just say there’s no looking it becomes quite a passion.
Fly casting poses challenges depending on the season. Conditions you’re facing when targeting fish out there in the waterways.Out, in the winter months is when its time to go after barracuda hanging out in the shallows. These feisty fish can’t resist a needlefish fly.Secure a catch. Get ready for a battle ahead! During winter days too are the big Crevalle jacks prowling the flats – perfect chance for even those new, to angling to reel in some success.
Spring marks the beginning of a season, for pursuing permit while fly fishing— in February and March when these fish gather in shallow waters to indulge in crabs and shrimp before migrating offshore to spawn come April only to return in late May and early June. The popularity of permit fishing is evident, in Key West where it is commemorated through two tournaments—the March Merkin held in March and the Del Brown Invitational taking place in July. Del Brown became well known for landing than 500 permit fish using a fly rod. Is credited with inventing the Merkin crab fly. A popular choice, among anglers targeting this coveted species.
Fishing for saltwater species, in Key West can be quite an adventure as you combine the excitement of the catch, with the scenery of the flats.
Tarpon
Tarpon make a move into the area in late February and if the water temperature is right and we are in between cold fronts, they are a perfect target on a fly rod. These fish flood the deeper flats and basins from the Marquesas to Bahia Honda in the Lower Keys. One of the most popular fly fishing patterns is the Tasty Toad. This fly consists of a marabou tail or rabbit strip tail and a merkin-style head. Chartreuse and yellow seem to be the best colors, but don’t rule out other colors, always keep a variety of flies available for tarpon for all condtions of light and weather. A black and purple fly will work well in low light in the morning, evening and night time tarpon fishing.
Tarpon migrate through the Keys from April through June. They are plentiful and range from 40- pounds to 180- pounds, some even larger. Once things settle down in mid-June the tarpon seem to be a little more cooperative in eating. This can be attributed to the diminishing pressure of guide boats targeting tarpon. July and August are also great months to fish for tarpon. July will still give an angler shots at big tarpon plus there can be many baby tarpon in various spots in the backcountry. Keep in mind that we do see tarpon year-round here in the Keys, but spring and early summer have the highest concentration of fish.
Bonefish
Bonefishing in the Lower Keys backcountry flats can be really good in May, June and July. August being the hottest month may send these fish to deeper water to cool off. September and October are excellent months to fish in the early morning and evening hours for tailing fish off Sugarloaf and Cudjoe Key.
