Wednesday, November 28, 2012

For The Best Fly Fishing Key West Offers Superb Waters

By Lenore Bolton


Key West is the county seat of Monroe, Florida, USA, but is actually closer to Havana, Cuba (one hundred and six miles to the south west) than to Miami (one hundred and twenty nine miles north east). The Gulfstream separates this southernmost city of the continental US from the nearest point on Cuba, ninety-four miles away. There are no known records of frost, ice, sleet or snow in in the area. It boasts a tropical savannah climate, and the fact that it is a frost-free zone makes it a desirable seaport destination for cruise-ships. The superb weather conditions also appeal to large numbers of anglers. When looking for the best waters for fly fishing Key West is a great place to go.

Encompassing the island of Key West, Fleming Key, part of Stock island, Sunset Key and Sigsbee Park (previously known as Dredgers Key), the county seat of Monroe, Florida is mainland USA's most southerly city. The area is further south west than Miami by some one hundred and twenty nine miles. The coast of Cuba is only another ninety four miles in the same direction.

Fly fishing in Key West is a year round activity. Winter is the best time to try for Barracuda on the flats. As the most southerly city on the American mainland, the area is known as a frost-free zone. Sleet, snow, frost or ice have never been recorded here.

Situated one hundred and twenty nine miles south west of Miami, and just one hundred and six miles north east of Havana, Cuba, the waters of the Gulfstream bring a tropical savannah climate to area. Charter boats abound to take the anglers offshore fly fishing. High winds around the Florida Keys create a most challenging habitat for the saltwater fly-fisherman.

The gusty nature of this area means that a rod blank taper is essential to generate sufficient wind-cutting line speed. Sustained contests with powerful, rapid-moving fish combined with the corrosive nature of the salt demand resistant components. The butt of the rod needs to be able to alter the direction of swim of these strong game fish and draw them from under the craft, and at the same time the rod tip must be flexible. Special flies are recommended for fly fishing in these waters. Live bait will bring game fish to feed near the surface, and the lure can now be cast to them.

Other advantages of Key West as a fly fishing destination include the resorts, marinas, guest cottages, hotels and inns. Charter flights bring anglers to the international airport. There are also several tackle shops and fly fishing schools.

The protected eco-system of these shallow saltwater flats allows anglers to go up against hard-to-catch game fish amidst tranquil surroundings. Bald eagles, ibis, spoonbills and ospreys are a few of the many bird species to be seen on the sandbars and mangrove islands dotted in the transparent waters. Nature here is truly unspoiled.

Famous modern-day anglers such as Flip Pallot, Jimmy Buffett and Lefty Kreh have all written of their experiences fly fishing Key West waters. The peaceful poling of flats boats proves addictive. Pristine sand flats and clear water make it irresistible.




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