First trip to the Keys

[Boston Whaler]

I am a South Jersey Fisherman who is making my first trip to the keys (last week in April). The place I am staying at comes with a 20' boat (Capt. Pips Hideaway).

Any advice?
What kind of fish should I target?
Striper fishing gear OK? heavier? lighter? None of the above?
Weather, I was told it is windy in the winter, how is April?
Do you recommend any lures, plugs or bait?

Thanks!

[UVaSportfisher]

I am a South Jersey Fisherman who is making my first trip to the keys (last week in April). The place I am staying at comes with a 20' boat (Capt. Pips Hideaway).

Any advice?
What kind of fish should I target?
Striper fishing gear OK? heavier? lighter? None of the above?
Weather, I was told it is windy in the winter, how is April?
Do you recommend any lures, plugs or bait?

Thanks!

The place is crawling with them if you can get them to bite. Set your boat (with anchor and tide) right off the bridges and cast to the tarpon laying underneath the bridge in the shadow. You should be able to see them with polarized shades. Use live bait. You could try chumming them in a little, just pop one eyeball outa a baitfish and toss it out.

[Double D]

Captain Pip's I believe is near the 7 mile bridge? Get some live mullet and drift them under the bridge for tarpon. You can walk the old bridge before you go to see where they are hangin

Sailfish should be good too

I would take a charter for a day or 2 when you first get there. I know it sounds counterintuitive since you have a boat, but will learn enough fishing with a local pro to make the rest of your week more productive

I would suggest a half day live bait tarpon trip, and a full day sail/cobia/permit trip.

You may get wind, but the best thing about the keys is there is usually a protected spot to fish

[Wild Life Management]

Good luck down there, you should enjoy it. I was down in december, and many of the locals emphasized the importance of chumming around the bridges, especially if there are a lot of other boats nearby. Live bait is the way to go, and I wouldn't worry too much about the weather, as Double D said, you will be able to find protected water.

Have fun, watch out for the Brass Monkey, oh, and welcome to Sportfishermen.com.

[Double D]

I was down in december, and many of the locals emphasized the importance of chumming around the bridges, especially if there are a lot of other boats nearby.

I have found that chumming brings in sharks and cuda, which are fun and provide action, but can be a pain when targeting tarpon (and expensive if you are buying live mullet. If you want to chum, use cut bait on the bottom and keep tube lures ready to throw at the cudas. Might get a nice snapper in there as well). I think in the spring all the boats will be targeting the poons, not many will be chumming.

forgot to address your gear question - 20 lb and lighter should have you covered, unless you go looking for bigger grouper and AJ's. I use TLD 20's for trolling, mostly dolphin and blackfin. Did hook a small blue down there once, but the 20 held him (after a high speed chase )

[Wild Life Management]

I have found that chumming brings in sharks and cuda, which are fun and provide action, but can be a pain when targeting tarpon (and expensive if you are buying live mullet. If you want to chum, use cut bait on the bottom and keep tube lures ready to throw at the cudas. Might get a nice snapper in there as well). I think in the spring all the boats will be targeting the poons, not many will be chumming.

Damn, just when I try to sound like I know what I am talking about.

Good point DD, I guess if you are in the right spot there isn't much need for chum.

[Honey Hole]

With a 20' boat, the patch reefs are do-able... and the yellowtail fishing can be outstanding. Buy twice the amount of chum you think you'll need, and chum like a mad man. A 2/0 hook on 12-15 lb florocarbon leader drifting small cut bait back with the chum (free-lined) will do it.

DEFINITELY recommend a 1/2 day live baiting Tarpon trip... you'll learn a LOT. Not really chumming for them, but chunking occasionally. Drift back cut baits w/a couple chunks and free-line. Set the hook to the side, not up and down like you would a striper. Around the bridges, drift live baits back to the light line/shadow line.... and be ready to follow them through the pilings when hooked. A large mullet hooked under a bobber can be effective too.

Disclaimer: I'm no expert!

[Boston Whaler]

Lots of great info, Thanks!

While we are at it, any recommendations for watering holes and restaurants in the Marathon area?

[Wild Life Management]

any recommendations for watering holes and restaurants in the Marathon area?

The Hurricane is a good start. The Brass Monkey is open till 4AM but watch out, I have seen some really crazy/disturbing stuff in that place.

[reel fishy]

[QUOTE=Boston Whaler;303868]Lots of great info, Thanks!

While we are at it, any recommendations for watering holes and restaurants in the Marathon area?[/QUOT

Try the Key's Fisheries Restaurant for some fresh local seafood. If you do a search on this forum for past posts about the keys you will find other good information.