Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Montauk Islamorada Captain Mike Rates & Policies Directions Fishing Reports Contact Us		Islamorada is known as the United States southern fishing capital, and it truly is. Located halfway down the Florida Keys, midway between Miami and Key West, affords this group of four small islands the best possible backcountry, reef and deep-sea fishing possible. Daylight's season begins Christmas week and continues through mid-May. You can fish the ocean side for over thirty species of fish including dolphin, hammerhead shark, sailfish, black fin tuna, permit, barracuda, wahoo, king mackerel, snapper of all colors, and grouper. Plus, the variety of unusual species are a constant source of amazement. Fishing on the bayside and under the bridges that connect the islands yields tarpon, which we catch and release, and snook. Terry Flood, of the Flood Insurance Group, caught a prize sailfish on a Daybreaker charter in Islamorada It takes about an hour and a half to get to Islamorada from Miami Airport and about two hours to get from Ft. Lauderdale Airport. The Daylight is located at Bass Pro's World Wide Sportsman Marina, mile marker 80.5. Bass Pro’s World Wide Sportsman is more than just a tackle store. There is an undeniable entertainment element to your shopping experience at World Wide Sportsman. There is a replica of Ernest Hemingway’s boat the Pilar on display that you may board. There is also an aquarium wall providing an opportunity for an eyeball-to-eyeball meeting with tarpon, cobia, jack crevalle and bonefish. These are only a few of the game fish the southern waters of Florida offer anglers. It is the variety adds the spice to a Florida fishermen’s angling life, because if the species you are targeting is momentarily uncooperative, there are always other colorful critters just waiting to take up the slack. But, wait, better ask Captain Mike what that sea creature on the end of your line is before you reach out and get touch something you have never seen before. The most reasonable place to stay is the Key Lantern or Blue Fin Inn located at mile marker 81. They are clean and comfortable and for any fisherman, perfect. Their telephone number is (305) 664-4572. If you are bringing the family and would like a pool and cooking facilities the Matecumbe Resort located at about mile marker 77 should be fine. It is located on the ocean side, and the telephone is (305) 664-8801. However, if you are looking for luxury accommodations, Cheeca Lodge has all that and a day camp for the kids. Their number is (305) 664-4651. Being in or on the water is the thing to do in the Keys. Learn to snorkel or scuba dive. Play in the ocean or on the sand bars or in the regular bars. Swim with the dolphins or watch the pelicans. < previous next > Check out the slideshow above for a small sampling of fish caught on the Daylight in the waters off the Florida Keys. Use the "next" and "previous" buttons to advance the photos, and click on the photo for a larger version.