Islamorada Fishing, Florida Keys Guides, Sport Fishing islamorada

Islamorada Backcountry and Flats Fishing

Fish for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Redfish and Snook

Welcome to Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada, or “Village of Islands” is an incorporated village located in Monroe County, Florida, on the islands of Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. Islamorada is nicknamed the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World!” by residents and visitors alike. The small village was incorporated on November 4, 1997. Before this date, Islamorada was considered to be on the island of Upper Matecumbe Key.

Islamorada as a location name began in 1907 when William Krome platted a Upper Matecumbe Key subdivision titled "Townsite of Islamorada." Subsequent events perpetuated the name such as the naming of the railroad depot and establishment of the Islamorada Post Office in 1908. The use of the name slowly spread through usage even though in unincorporated Monroe County.

"Islamorada, Village of Islands" is basically four separate and livable islands. Also included are two islands that are part of the Florida State Park system, Indian Key and Lignum Vitae Key and one private island, Tea Table Key. There are also small off-shore islands. Each island has its own unique history.

The Florida Bay, located off the southern tip of Florida between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, features 30 square miles of shallow depths and small islands, making it the ideal place for backcountry fishing. Tarpon, permit, redfish, trout, snapper and snook are among the most popular sportfish caught in the Bay. With shallow depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet in most places throughout the Florida Bay, it offers world class fishing for anglers. The Flats on the ocean and bay sides of Islamorada offers sight fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Enjoy your stay.

Islamorada News
Sun, 05 Sep 10 04:15:00 EST

http://www.fla-keys.com/islamorada/

9/6/2010 Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Annual Labor Day Service

In memory of the civilians and veterans who perished in the 1935 hurricane, this annual service is to be held at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Hear from famed historian Irving Eyster, and the 1935 Hurricane Song written by Cris Foster from memories shared by Bernard Russell who lost many of his family in the event that helped shape Florida Keys history. A wreath is to be placed, followed by taps and the benediction. Free and open to the public.

9/14/2010 - 9/17/2010 Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament

Also referred to as the �Fall Fly,� this prestigious three-day test of skill and stealth challenges anglers to accrue points for both weight and release fish. Entry fee is $1,000 per angler, up to 25 maximum participants.

9/15/2010 History of Diving Museum presents: FREE Seminar Series

This month's free seminar is to be given by Eric Smith, themed "Adventures in Underwater Exploration." Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. Immerse yourself in the fun!

9/25/2010 Smithsonian Magazine's 6th Annual Museum Day

The History of Diving Museum will participate in the sixth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine.� Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors for an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in diving history.� The Museum is also celebrating its fourth anniversary, and showcases "The Story of Man's Quest to Explore Under the Sea, and is approximately 3,000 square feet of amazing exhibits relating to diving history.�Open from 10 a

9/25/2010 - 9/26/2010 Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Tournament

Up to 100 anglers compete for snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum against the backdrop of Everglades National Park. An overall grand champ prize is given to the individual or team who catches at least four of the seven eligible species. The angling challenge is also a qualifying event for the 2011 IGFA Inshore World Championship in Islamorada.

Backcountry Slam – Snook-Redfish-Trout

Snook - Islamorada backcountry offers some excellent Snook fishing. The average size is 5 to 9 pounds and 24-34 inches. You will find them around bridges, mangroves, pilings just about any structure. They eat Mullet, Shrimp, Pilchards, Pinfish and a multitude of artificial lures or combinations of live and dead bait.

Redfish - Redfish love the warm waters of south Florida, mangroves, and grassy flats are their regular haunts. They are prolific, and definitely not timid when it comes to eating - Which makes them a great sport fish for light tackle and fly-fishing. Redfish are often seen "tailing" (very similar to bonefish) on the shallow flats as they feed.

Seatrout - Seatrout are frequently targeted from December to April. When fishing for them you can use the old standby a popping cork rig with a shrimp or artificial hanging below the cork. Remember Pop the cork Sea Trout come to the gurgling sound the cork makes.Sea Trout are found over grassy bottom and in the"muds" that is muddy areas where the bait is routing in the bottom stirring up shrimp and small fishes.

Flats Slam – Bonefish-Tarpon-Permit

Bonefish (“Grey Ghost”) - Known for very fast and very long first runs, this is probably the species most synonymous with Florida flats fishing. There is a reason why they are called "gray ghost of the flats" and are a real light tackle challenge. Here in the Keys, bonefish generally average in the 6 to 8 pound range with fish of 10 to 12 or larger not uncommon. They are usually fished in water less than two feet deep, and sometimes are seen so shallow that their tails and dorsal fins show as they root out food from the bottom. This is called "tailing" and is the most demanding of angler skills. Bonefish prefer water temperatures over 72 degrees, but can sometimes be found in slightly cooler conditions.

Tarpon (“Silver King”) - These incredible fish offer the ultimate in a shallow water big game fish. During the spring migrations, fish can average from 80 to over 150 pounds. They can be found rolling and feeding in deep backcountry finger channels, in shallow grassy basins or along the edges of bars and flats in 4 to 6 feet of water. Tarpon tend to prefer water temps in the mid 70's for the channels and usually need 78-79 degrees for the flats. The big fish are here in good to excellent numbers from March through July and small tarpon 8-20 pounds are here year-round, disappearing during cold fronts in winter.

Permit - The permit is a very strong and hard fighting fish, averaging 8 to 16 pounds. Fish in the 20 to 35 pound range are common with fish to near 50 pounds showing fairly often. They seem to tolerate slightly cooler and slightly warmer conditions than the bones, and are also here all year with February thru November probably being most productive. Permit are usually found in waters less than 3 to 4 feet deep and will also float in channels or off flat edges in calm situations.