What to know to plan a winter Florida Keys fishing trip
Chris Albronda, originally from Montauk, said he fell in love with The Keys. Credit: Chris Albronda
What Long Island angler hasn’t thought about fishing in the Florida Keys at least once — especially during the winter, when the weather at home can be dreary.
With an incredible variety of game fish and tasty targets ranging from speedy and challenging bonefish in the shallows, to magnificent leaping tarpon that can top 200 pounds, to a variety of highly sought after offshore species including mahi, billfish and tuna, the possibilities can be overwhelming. Just as enticing, the waters here are crystal-clear, and the availability of charter captains and public access to productive waters is best in class. Making this destination even more attractive is the short flight time from New York to Miami, followed by a two- to four-hour drive to any Keys destination.
“I’d call the fishing here ‘life-changing,’ ” said fishing captain Chris Albronda, 40, in a recent telephone call. He is a second-generation fisherman born and raised in Montauk who fell in love with the piscatorial possibilities and mid-70 degree winter high temperatures in the “Conch Republic.” Albronda was so smitten that he moved to Marathon, in The Keys, last December to become a charter skipper at Two Conchs Sportfishing, a well-outfitted bait, tackle and charter fishing operation. He now has the best of both worlds, running charters out of Marathon and returning to his Montauk roots in July and August to provide private guided fishing trips and day tours for people aboard their own boats.
It’s important to hire a guide to show you the ropes, Albronda said. “With a pro, you’ll catch on fast and quickly learn what makes anglers so passionate about Florida Keys fishing,” he said.
While daytime flats fishing is vastly different from Long Island’s bay and ocean fishing, surf-casting around bridges after dark for huge tarpon and snook is similar to working the surf at night for striped bass. Bring your favorite surf-casting pole and a couple favorite swimming plugs with you if you’d like to give it a try.
From the time he fished The Keys, Albronda knew he’d be moving. “There’s nothing else like it,” he said. “I love that there are so many species of fish on different battlefields.”
Upper vs. Lower Keys
The Upper Keys (Key Largo through Islamorada) are closest to Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports and offer the broadest range of fisheries. The Lower Keys, including Key West, are the jumping-off point for the Gulf Stream and offshore hotspots like the Marquesas Keys. For first-time visitors, the Upper Keys offer easier access while Key West appeals to those seeking blue-water action paired with dining, nightlife and history.
Cost
Chad Newman, of Visit Florida Keys, said two travelers to The Keys can expect to pay $800 to $1,800 for a fishing charter. A midwinter three-day fishing trip with flights and lodging can easily cost $4,000 to $6,000 for two people, excluding meals.
Plan Your Trip
Some tips for knowing when, where and how to organize a fishing expedition in the Florida Keys:
- Reserve fishing charters and lodging three to six months in advance.
- For flights, major airlines serve Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West. Driving the Overseas Highway adds flexibility; flying directly to Key West saves time.
- Visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission website, myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater, to purchase fishing licenses and to check regulations if heading out on your own.
- The Florida Keys are popular with sun worshippers, water-sport fans, snowbirds and more. Be aware that late March sees spring break pricing spikes.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 14: LI football awards On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra takes a look at the football awards given out in Nassau and Suffolk, plus Jared Valluzzi and Jonathan Ruban with the plays of the year.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 14: LI football awards On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra takes a look at the football awards given out in Nassau and Suffolk, plus Jared Valluzzi and Jonathan Ruban with the plays of the year.
