Fish Species
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Bonefish
Grey ghost, silver streak and phantom of the flats are some of the descriptive names used to describe the Bonefish. They can be found wandering the coastal and tidal shallows of the Florida Keys in search of shrimp, crabs, mussels and other crustaceans. A shy seemingly intelligent fish, the bonefish is very spooky, and any unusual noise or disturbance will send it rocketing off the flats. The Bonefish has reached cult status among fly fisherman, and is known for its blistering runs once hooked. We will pole the flats sight fishing for Bones. Anglers must be able to make a quick accurate cast of sixty or seventy feet. An 8wt or 9wt fly rod with a heavy single action reel that can hold 200 yards of backing should be adequate.
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Permit
Permit can be found on the flats of the Lower Keys year round. Regarded as the most difficult flats fish to catch on fly, this reputation is well earned. The schizophrenic permit feeds around the edges of flats. Nuzzling the sand and turtle grass for crustaceans and shrimp. This shy and nervous loner is extremely wary and difficult to approach, often spooking from the fly. Regarded by anglers as more discriminating than bonefish and a much tougher fight, they make numerous long runs and fight to the end. A 9ft, 10wt fly rod is the norm and reels should be capable of holding 300 yards of backing. Many new crab patterns have increased the catch rate.
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Tarpon
Tarpon can be found in the Lower Keys year round, but large schools of migratory Tarpon invade the flats in March, April, May and June. The Silver King will average 70-100lbs with some approaching 200lbs. This prehistoric relic has become one of saltwater fishing's most sought after prizes. Not many fish can match the Tarpon's tackle - busting power, known for it's aerial acrobatics and reel-scorching runs. Only a small percentage of hooked fish are boated. We will sight fish for Tarpon as I pole the skiff looking for fish wandering the edge of the flats or laid up in the basins. Tackle should match the size of the fish, generally a 9ft, 11wt or 12wt rod with a high quality reel holding 300 yards of backing should be adequate. Tarpon take a variety of flies very well. They should be tied on high-quality hooks and be super sharp.
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Barracuda
Often underrated as a flats game fish, the Great Barracuda can provide some exciting action on fly or light spin tackle. The "Cuda" is a vicious predator that feeds with indiscriminate aggression when young, but becomes more selective after reaching maturity. Large numbers of 10 to 20 lb Cudas can be found on the flats and channel edges during the winter months. A big "Cuda" on the line will burn out a hundred yards of line, jump, run again, jump some more before wearing out. 8 or 9wt fly rods with reels capable of holding 200 yards of backing are suitable. Sometimes finicky on fly, a red hot retrieve with a tube lure or surface plug, on light spin tackle will draw many vicious strikes.
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Bonnethead Shark
The Bonnethead shark is a frequent visitor on the shallow saltwater flats to forage for crabs and shrimp. He can be easily fooled with fly or bait and provides some exciting action. Many other sharks including (Lemons, Blacktips, Bull and Hammerheads) may be encountered on the flats and channels. These sharks can be targeted with fly or medium spin tackle. 10 to 12wt fly rods or 20 to 30lb spin gear should get the job done.
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Jack Crevalle
The Jack Crevalle is one of the great, light tackle, saltwater game fish and is respected for its tenacious fighting abilities. Jacks can be found herding and chasing bait in the channels, or may be found following a Stingray on the flats. When found they are one of the surest bets for the fly or light tackle anglers. Jacks are aggressive feeders and when in the mood will hit almost anything. Most Jacks range in size from a couple pounds to around twenty pounds and tackle should be appropriately matched.
Species drawings compliments of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at http://marinefisheries.org
Contact Captain Jimi
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To reserve your guided fishing trip, email or call Captain Jimi today!
Cell: (305) 304-4229
Email: capjimi@aol.com
Located at the Historic Seaport in Old Town Key West