Where to fish on Pine Key?

[Reel Sharp]

Hey guys,
I am heading to Pine Key this December and will be camping from the 22nd-29th. I am going to do some fishing but I would like to know what I should bring as far as gear and what to target. I have everything from inshore-offshore. Should I surf, bridge, or backwater? Anyone else going to be in the area?
Thanks,
Norm

[StatRX67]

Hey Norm,

If you're limited in what to bring I'd say go with the bridge/back country gear. There's not much of a "surf" to fish as compared to the Atlantic Coast. The bridges and the bay/gulf-side you can overlap some of your gear; 10-15# spinning should do the trick. It will probably be overkill for most of what you'll come across, but it will lessen the chances of the disappointment of being underprepared. Which is always a possibility down here. If you want a real blast and it's a little too rough on the ocean side try to get your hands on a kayak and get into the mangroves for some snapper and redfish. For that it would probably be more fun with lighter tackle. If you're thinking of doing a charter I've been out with a good guy down in Cudjoe that is very well rounded for anything from the backcountry to light offshore if it's not too rough. For the most fun in my book though, if you're going to be in the Keys try to get some fishing out on the reefs to jig some mutton snapper and chum up some flags.

Have fun and good luck,

Eric