Other Species

Fishing in Florida: Islamorada, Biscayne Bay, Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys “fun fishing” or “Other” species!

While focusing in on the most prized flats species, an angler will undoubtedly be introduced thru bycatch and spotting the countless other random fish that inhabit these shallow waters.

Often times between optimal tides and adverse conditions,  we change up the tackle and recipe looking for less coveted but equally thrilling Florida Keys players.

The Barracuda is one fierce flats predator, stalking and presenting a fly or luhr to an unsuspecting laid up Cuda can produce an unmatched response..  Attacking and often killing their prey in one high speed blast, severing the vitals and then circling back for ingestion!

When hooked they jump and make explosive runs across the shallows,  Capt Dan considers them one of the most underrated flats species in Islamorada.   Typically fished with a wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite tippet.

Another favorite here is the Jack Crevalle.  These marauders sweep the grass flats of Everglades national park,  scour the channels and basins of the Florida Keys devouring most baitfish in their path. 

Ranging from palm size to 30 plus pounds with a giant forked tail, powerful shoulders and razor teeth the Jack commands respect!  Fast, strong and aggressive, as well as abundant make them a wonderful introductory species for the novice saltwater angler.   

Our Grass flats comprising most of Florida Bay and the Everglades are delicately balanced with predator and prey. 

Speckled Trout (sea trout) play a major role in maintaining this healthy ecosystem.   These shiny orange mouthed trout feed heavily on small baitfish, and shrimp.  

Averaging 12-18 inches with fish up to 28 caught annually “Specks” are regulated and can be harvested 4 per angler between 15-19 in.  

Sheepshead or the “Convict” known for its distinctive vertical black and white stripes are a reputed as a snobby fly eater, but will readily eat a live shrimp when given the chance.  These tasty critters are a delicacy here in south Florida, and can be harvested.

Black Drum are a close relative of the Red Drum,   less frequently sighted and not as aggressive by nature.   They will school up and feed on the flats in different situations using tides to prey on crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans.   Everglades Black Drum average 18-24 in and can grow to much larger. Also regulated by FWC these fish can be harvested.

To have tasted the Tripletail is to understand the excitement when one of these “cooler lids” is floating sideways on the surface and we are able to make a cast to him.  They have a snow white belly and can be spotted floating out on the Gulf edge, where the Florida Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.  

Fairly aggressive on a shrimp fly or most anything presented to the fish before he realizes what is happening,  a great sight fishing experience with a phenomenal dinner in store!  

FWC regulated, the current slot is 2 fish per 18 inches or larger.

Shark fishing here in the Florida Keys is another underrated activity that stays fairly consistent while most of the other recipes are dictated by wind, weather and tide.   

With 7 species of Shark available inshore here at any given time, allows us to target these beasts with an array of techniques and tackle.

A host of others are also available including : Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Mangrove Snapper,  and all sorts of fun “not technical” fishing to be had for kids and beginners just looking to bend the rod.

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