What is fly fishing?
It is a form of angling in which an artificial “fly” is used to catch fish. The fly is cast using a fly rod, reel, and specialized weighted line. The light tackle used in fly fishing gives anglers a unique challenge when targeting specific fish species.
Where to go fly fishing in Key West
There are many excellent fly fishing spots in Key West, but here are a few of our favorites:
- The Marquesas Keys – These remote islands offer excellent opportunities to catch bonefish, tarpon, and permits.
- Dry Tortugas National Park – This park is home to some of the best bonefishing in the world. You can also catch tarpon, permit, and other saltwater fish here. Access is only by boat or seaplane, so we recommend hiring a guide.
- Boca Grande – This is one of Florida’s most popular tarpon fishing spots. Tarpon season runs from April to June, so plan your trip accordingly. There are also many excellent guides and charter companies operating in Boca Grande.
- Islamorada – This village is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World for a reason. You can catch just about any saltwater fish here, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, and more.
- Turneffe Flats is a world-renowned saltwater fly-fishing lodge located on the Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize. This beautiful property is situated on the seaward side of the atoll, providing guests with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The different types of fly fishing
- Saltwater flats fishing – This fishing is done in salt water, usually in the ocean. The benefits of saltwater fishing include the fact that there are many different types of fish to target, and the scenery is often beautiful.
- Freshwater fishing – This is done in freshwaters, such as rivers and lakes. The benefits of freshwater fishing include the fact that there are many different types of fish to target, and the scenery can be very scenic.
- Ice fishing is done through a hole in the ice. The benefits of ice fishing include the fact that it can be a very challenging type of fishing, and the scenery can be beautiful.
The best time to fly fishing
Good timing is everything to get the most out of your fly fishing trips. The best time to go fishing depends on where you’re going and what you’re hoping to catch. Here are a few general tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Spring or fall is the best time to fly fishing in the Northern Hemisphere. The weather is milder, and the water levels are typically lower, making it easier to spot fish. Spring is also when many fish species spawn, so you often find them biting more aggressively.
The best fishing time is typical during the offseason if you’re headed to a tropical destination. That’s because the weather is more relaxed and the fish aren’t as active. However, this can vary depending on the specific location and what type of fish you’re hoping to catch.
