NFT: Long Key wade fishing advice

but there was and my still be Red Tide in that area. Don't think that it'll be to favorable for fishing!

Maybe Grunnings can answer a bit better.

currently at or near Long Key. Florida has a red tide map on line updated daily.

driving down to Marathon, renting a kayak, and paddling out to Russell Key. If the wind is milder on the Atlantic side, there's a big bight to work there. Water temp will be the important factor.

Off current and drop offs is a very easy and satisfying approach

today in Marathon on the gulf side is 75 degrees -- not ideal but acceptable. There is a huge flat on the ocean side to consider as well. A kayak would be prime! I'm a fly fisherman; so I don't know a thing about jigs or bait, but a quality shrimp fly should work. I would take along a couple of tarpon flies as well. You never know what you might encounter down there. Bonnethead sharks are fun, too.

I was think Long Boat Key!

In comment 16069957 Fred-in-Florida said:

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I was think Long Boat Key!

Greetings Fred--

Hope all is well with you. Yeah, I'm on Longboat Key just below Tampa; the OP is talking about Monroe County. Hope to see you whenever the Giants are next playing the Bucs down here.

But the beaches off the state park should be as good of a chance as anywhere else. I cheat when bone fishing and chop up a couple dozen shrimp into tiny pieces and throw them in every direction with a scoop. It's like ringing the dinner bell.

I'd think your best bet would be to fish the Channel 5 bridge up the road with live shrimp and pin fish. 1/2 oz -1oz weight on the bottom with a 18' 30lb Florocarbon leader. Fish on the back side of the pilings where the current creates an eddy. An hour on either side of slack tide is best, will be about an hr later each day. You can also fish on the rocky jetty on the ocean side across from and leading up to the bridge.

Tons of tarpon coming through that area, especially after dark. Poppers, yozuri crystal minnows or anything that glows in the dark (bring a flashlight and recharge) will get them to bite. Catch'em up!!

Make than an 18" Florocarbon leader.

In comment 16070026 GruningsOnTheHill said:

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In comment 16069957 Fred-in-Florida said: Quote: I was think Long Boat Key! Greetings Fred-- Hope all is well with you. Yeah, I'm on Longboat Key just below Tampa; the OP is talking about Monroe County. Hope to see you whenever the Giants are next playing the Bucs down here.

Miam this year! Boy are already talking tickets.

In comment 16070040 BigBlue in Keys said:

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Make than an 18" Florocarbon leader.

ha! well maybe a 3 foot leader...

In comment 16070026 GruningsOnTheHill said:

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In comment 16069957 Fred-in-Florida said: Quote: I was think Long Boat Key! Greetings Fred-- Hope all is well with you. Yeah, I'm on Longboat Key just below Tampa; the OP is talking about Monroe County. Hope to see you whenever the Giants are next playing the Bucs down here.

A few years ago I did really well on artificials fishing in the cove above Cypress Point Park. It was strange catching fish while watching the airplanes approach the airport. Decent action that day.

If anyone wants a guide, I know a good one over by Apollo beach just south of Tampa.