If I Cod Be With You In Florida
Thursday, July 15th, 2010Folks who visit the Florida Keys will uncover a tropical Caribbean paradise in their own back yard. In spite of being only 90 miles from Cuba and a brief plane ride from any one of the Caribbean resort islands, the Florida Keys are part of the United States and connected by highway to the mainland. No boats or planes required.
The Keys are actually a string of islands that open with Key Largo in the north and end with the reknowned Key West in the south, home to Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Between, there are actually hundreds of islands, several of which remain unoccupied. Because of the Keys’ exceptional geographical place in the warm waters flanked by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and because of the numerous coral reefs and sand bars that make up the island succession, the Keys are home to a number of the most excellent salt water fishing in the United States and have romantic Florida vacation rentals to cook up your catch in.
Beginning in the north with Key Largo and the islands in its vicinity, Islamorada is a major vacation spot for sport fishermen. Islamorada is its own island, but it is in close enough proximity to Key Largo and the mainland that it sees a significant quantity of passage from those two places. Staying in a vacation rental at Key Largo and fishing at Islamorada is a distinct opportunity, while Key West, a two hour drive down U.S. Highway 1, is a bit out of reach.
Each fishing season brings tournaments and competitions to Key Largo and Islamorada. Bonefish are a usual catch near the island, while deep sea fishing for sailfish is a familiar pastime. If you plan on fishing, keep in mind that a fishing license is required in Florida waters, no matter what sort of fish you plan to catch or what season of the year. A permit is accessible from bait shops, marinas, and is frequently supplied as part of the fee for a charter vessel.
Speaking of charters, there are seemingly limitless opportunities to hire charter fishing vessels in the Florida Keys. Many motels, hotels, and vacation rentals retain their own charter vessel or fleet, and the number of private charters that can actually be seen from the highway may prove unbelievable to somebody from different areas of the United States.
At the other end of the island chain, the fishing in Key West is as diverse as it is outstanding. The clear backcountry waters off Key West present an occasion for angling. An experienced guide into the backcountry is an absolute requirement for those interested in fly fishing or just exploring the unspoiled wilderness of Florida Keys.
For some authentic fishing pleasure, book a bed breakfast and charter some deep sea fishing off Key West. Its the best in the country. Placing yourself in the shoes of Ernest Hemingway, a charter vessel will transport you out into the Gulf Stream to look for marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. All of these prized game fish can definitely be located in the waters between the keys and Cuba.