Know a good Keys guide?

[Legacy]

I'm off to Islamorada for 10 days starting Feb. 29. Anyone know a good guide for inshore and/or offshore fishing?

[Elizabeth Ann]

Are you limiting yourself to islamorada? What would you rather do inshore or offshore or both? Half day or full day? How may others are you planning to fish with? How much money do you want to spend (an upper limit).

Sorry for all the questions, but it will help me recommend someone down here.

[Legacy]

Lucky for me, I am obsessed. Or so says my wife, I prefer to call it a passing hobby. We'll be based at Cheeca Lodge but can fish anywhere in the Keys. If anyone is interested, in Miami I fish with Bouncer Smith, he's a terrific fisherman and boat handler for light gear.


But I digress. Two experienced anglers, inshore for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and/or redfish. We'll be using light tackle, artificials and live bait. Probably consecutive full days.

For offshore and bottom fishing, I'm renting a boat and have numbers for a couple of wrecks and humps.

Thanks for any ideas.

Rick

[Elizabeth Ann]

Based on my own experience and that of friends accounts I can recommend the following

http://www.greeneyedgirlcharters.com
http://fishingcharterfloridakeys.com/
http://www.finhuntercharters.com/INDEX.HTML
http://badhabitfishingcharters.com/

You may also want to ask for help from Bud N' Marys
http://www.budnmarys.com/packages.htm

There are boat rentals at John Pennekamp State Park (20-23' Angler Center Consoles for a reasonable price) and you'll be within minutes of great snorkeling/diving.

I have a small center console in the area, I don't fish much off of it cause of a lack of time (I used to in the past)...these days I prefer relaxing afternoons of snorkeling.


If you need any other additional info let me know. On another note.....for a really great dining experience try The Fish House (Key Largo) www.fishhouse.com

Cheers.

[furball]

I'll second the Bud and Mary's recommendation. It's been several years but we cancelled a dive trip and on very short notice, Bud and Mary's hooked me up with a really great guide, I just can't remember his name. We spent a great day lite tackle fishing for snook, tarpon etc. Nice folks and a nice operation. Guide had all loomis rods, diawa reels, new flats boat, one of the best guides I've ever gone out with.
Good Luck
John