The most commonly sought-after fish with backcountry
guides are tarpon, bonefish, snook, redfish, trout and permit.
Tarpon
The Tarpon or "Silver King" is the showman of
all sportfish. Some may argue the acrobatics displayed by a tarpon
are unmatched by any other fish. Fish averaging 50 to 80 pounds
and several exceeding 150 pounds. Huge silver fish thrashing and
jumping 6 feet out of the water and burning off hundreds of yards
of line only to leap again and again. Truly a site that any angler
would dream of experiencing. The tarpon doesn't tire easily, the
long hard battle and thrill of catching one is usually enough to
strain even the best conditioned sportsman. During the day tarpon
are generally caught sitefishing by fly. They are notorious night
feeders therefore night fishing is popular with live bait. Mornings
and evenings are also good producing times to fish. There is a lifetime
of memories in every exciting battle with the "Silver King".
Bonefish
The bonefish in the Florida Keys are some the largest found
in the world. Several world records in many line classes have come
from this area. The average size ranges from 6 to 8 pounds with
several fish exceeding 9 to 10 pounds. The bonefish is usually pursued
in less than 5 feet of water on the grass and sand flats surrounding
the main islands in the Keys. They are wary and require a quiet
approach with a precise presentation. Bonefish can sometimes be
spotted by their tails sticking out of the water (tailing) as they
root in the shallows for a meal. When hooked, even the fastest retrieve
cannot keep up with the lightning speed they display. An excellent
challenge for fly fishermen and light line enthusiasts.
Snook
Snook are excellent fighters and commonly take to the air
in their pursuit of freedom from a penetrating hook. They are taken
on flys, plugs, jigs and live bait. They are often found near the
mangroves where they can easily ambush their prey. Snook are taken
throughout the area and display a distinct black stripe that runs
along their lateral line. The average size in the Keys ranges from
6 to 10 pounds with some fish weighing as much as 20 pounds.
Check
out this amazing Snook/Shark clip!
Redfish
Redfish are bruisers
and can put your tackle to the test for sure. Like snook they are
taken on fly, plug, jigs and live bait. When fishing for "Reds"
it is not uncommon to hook up with a snook. They are generally found
in the backcountry.
Permit
The permit is an
intense battler and when the opportunity to hook one arises, hold
on! It is possible to encounter several permit at one time. These
fish are one of the strongest fighters and large fish can weight as
much as 50 pounds.
Trout
and Snapper
Trout and snapper
are plentiful and are a good target species for those who prefer
lots of action.
Captain Steve is courteous,
helpful, and experienced. He will do whatever he can to help make
your trip as enjoyable as possible. Captain Steve only uses the
highest quality equipment and can instruct on its use. He is an
expert flyfisherman and in baitcasting, spinning and live bait fishing.
All
trips depart from the Postcard
Inn (Holiday Isle) (mile
marker 84.1 Oceanside in Islamorada: The Fishing Capital of the
World)