Islamorada

[Bent-Bill]

I am planning on taking some time off late this fall to tow my boat down to Islamorada and enjoy some sailfishing. My cousin runs his boat to Isla Mujeres every winter from NC to take up slack in our "Off" season, but I dont think I want to take the trip this year. Not really interested in any bottom fishing, just pretty hot sailfish action. I have talked to a few buddies that tell me late Nov. is when to go? I was looking for any advice on the best time to go, and a nice place to stay where I can keep a boat. I wouldn't mind trying some swordfishing either, we dont have much of a fishery here in NC. Not a big fan of kite fishing, which i hear is pretty popular down there, planned on going with a dredge and drifting live baits or trolling. Any advice on who to talk to or any info is greatly appreciated.

[DropinBack]

The sailfishing in islamorda doesnt even compare to isla mujures, however, it can still be pretty good... with double diget days possible...
The best time in my opinion for the upper keys is december through early febuary with early to mid january being the best...
A kite is a good idea, thats where most of my bites come from down there, but live baits and trolled dead baits also work great depending on the day...
The last few winters, live ballyhoo have been plentiful at the reef as well as the sailfish...
But as i stated before, do not expect numbers anywhere close to what you expect in isla mujures

[ncbillfisher]

I worked on a boat from NC, and the boss had a house down there in snake creek. We would stop there before mexico. I used everything down there, trolling dredges, chains and everything! You have to live bait or your out to lunch. We started run'n' and gunning and started catching them good that way. See the birds and run to them. Did some swordfishing and did fair. I'm not a pro at that by no means,
We did catch a few of them. Go to the charter boats and talk to them, they're pretty laid back. They will tell what you need to know.(not everything but enough).

[Deep C]

I lived and chartered out of there for about five years. Yes november is a good time. Go lay up on a patch reef and chum up some hoos, slide to 120' and let her rip. Dead idle allows you to cover ground or hold against the current...
We did late november last year with one day popping seven of em and other days of 1-3... Some dolphin around then too... Can't tell you where cheap is. We go to Chesepeake but room is 300 and dock is 70 a night...

[Phat Mann]

I would agree Jan feb may be better than late Nov. The Nov bite is largely dependent on how cold it gets further north.

Don't know size of your boat. Used to stay at Sea Isle next to Cheeca with small marina.

Holiday isle has rooms and Marina.

I also have house on Snake Creek with large dock pool and cuzzi which I do rent if you have interest.

[sportfishingusa]

I would agree Jan feb may be better than late Nov. The Nov bite is largely dependent on how cold it gets further north.

Don't know size of your boat. Used to stay at Sea Isle next to Cheeca with small marina.

Holiday isle has rooms and Marina.

I also have house on Snake Creek with large dock pool and cuzzi which I do rent if you have interest.

WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THAT PHAT MANN.. LOOKING TO GET AWAY AROUND FEBRUARY WITH THE WIFE AND NEW BABY!! THAT WOULD BE AWESOME..

[Over Under]

We've got a both a house and a condo for rent, depending on when you are going. House has a boat slip right at the house, we can get you dockage with the condo if you want. House is in Tavernier, Condo in Islamorada.

More info here on the page below. It has all our fishing packages, but you'll find the info on the two places to stay.

http://overundercharters.com/?page=floridakeys#topmain

I've had some really good days in early December. November seems a bit early, but as others said, depends on weather/sea temperatures....and how quickly things start to cool.

[sopranospizzaland]

I also agree Jan/Feb are the best times lots of hoos at the alligator. I also have a house that I rent out deep water dockage and you can go out under channel 2 or 5 bridge. I can also hook you up with some great mates that will show you the ropes or if I'm there I'll help you out.

[FESS]

Used to be a cool spot next (just south of) to marker 88 restaurant, called lookout lodge....reasonable, clean, dockage (but on west side...) and right next to arguably one of the best eating establishments (try Ziggies too) in the upper keys.
November is kind-of the beginning of the winter sailfish migration so to speak....smaller fish show up more often this time of year and are almost rare anymore...if u catch one their bills are very fragile...try not to grab 'em there. Have fun!
Take any eating fish to Marker 88 & they';ll cook 'em for you....or they used to!

[Fishin-N-Wishin]

I would agree Jan feb may be better than late Nov. The Nov bite is largely dependent on how cold it gets further north.

Don't know size of your boat. Used to stay at Sea Isle next to Cheeca with small marina.

Holiday isle has rooms and Marina.

I also have house on Snake Creek with large dock pool and cuzzi which I do rent if you have interest.

Phat Mann,
I wouldn't mind getting a PM from you about your place. I always stay at Drop Anchor just down the road.