Fish For Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Redfish and Trout

Islamorada, a "Village of Islands," is an incorporated village in Monroe County, Florida, on the islands of Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys.

The village was incorporated on November 4, 1997. Prior to this date, Islamorada was only considered to be on the island of Upper Matecumbe Key.

As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 6,846. As of 2007, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,386.

The name Islamorada, meaning "purple island", came from early Spanish explorers in the area. Its pronunciation has been Anglicized to aisle-a-more-AH-dah.

Islamorada Vacations, the Florida Keys, offers everything your family needs for a leisurely holiday. Just minutes away from the best fishing, boating and restaurants in the sportfishing capital of the world: Islamorada, Florida Keys. If you love the water, boating and fishing

The Florida Bay, located off the southern tip of Florida between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, features 30 square miles of shallow depths and small islands, making it the ideal place for backcountry fishing. Tarpon, permit, redfish, trout, snapper and snook are among the most popular sportfish caught in the Bay. With shallow depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet in most places throughout the Florida Bay, it offers world class fishing for anglers. The Flats on the ocean and bay sides of Islamorada offers sight fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit.

Islamorada News
Fri, 03 Sep 10 04:15:00 EST

http://www.fla-keys.com/islamorada/

9/4/2010 Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Self-Guided Tour

Start the Labor Day weekend at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument at 9 a.m. for a self-guided tour of historical points of interest. An informational tent is to be set up at the monument with guide maps and brochures, courtesy of the Matecumbe Historical Trust. Historic photos, 75th anniversary tee shirts and mementos to be available as well. Free and open to the public.

9/4/2010 Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: An Evening of Hurricane History

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1935 hurricane, a historically significant event in the Florida Keys. Starting at 8 p.m. the Matecumbe Historical Trust is to show a video and display photos from the event. Survivors are to be present to share their experiences. Free and open to the public, event located at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument.

9/6/2010 Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: Annual Labor Day Service

In memory of the civilians and veterans who perished in the 1935 hurricane, this annual service is to be held at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. Hear from famed historian Irving Eyster, and the 1935 Hurricane Song written by Cris Foster from memories shared by Bernard Russell who lost many of his family in the event that helped shape Florida Keys history. A wreath is to be placed, followed by taps and the benediction. Free and open to the public.

9/14/2010 - 9/17/2010 Islamorada Invitational Fall Fly Bonefish Tournament

Also referred to as the �Fall Fly,� this prestigious three-day test of skill and stealth challenges anglers to accrue points for both weight and release fish. Entry fee is $1,000 per angler, up to 25 maximum participants.

9/15/2010 History of Diving Museum presents: FREE Seminar Series

This month's free seminar is to be given by Eric Smith, themed "Adventures in Underwater Exploration." Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. Immerse yourself in the fun!

Backcountry Slam – Snook-Redfish-Trout

Snook - The local backcountry offers some excellent Snook fishing. The average size is 5 to 9 pounds and 24-34 inches. You will find them around bridges, mangroves, pilings just about any structure. They eat Mullet, Shrimp, Pilchards, Pinfish and a multitude of artificial lures or combinations of live and dead bait.

Redfish - Redfish love the warm waters of south Florida, the oyster beds, mangroves, and grassy flats are their regular haunts. They are prolific, and definitely not timid when it comes to eating - Which makes them a great sport fish for light tackle and fly-fishing. Redfish are often seen "tailing" (very similar to bonefish) on the shallow flats as they feed.

Seatrout - Seatrout are frequently targeted from December to April. When fishing for them you can use the old standby a popping cork rig with a shrimp or artificial hanging below the cork. Remember Pop the cork Sea Trout come to the gurgling sound the cork makes.Sea Trout are found over grassy bottom and in the"muds" that is muddy areas where the bait is routing in the bottom stirring up shrimp and small fishes.

Flats Slam – Bonefish-Tarpon-Permit

Bonefish (“Grey Ghost”) - Known for very fast and very long first runs, this is probably the species most synonymous with Florida flats fishing. There is a reason why they are called "gray ghost of the flats" and are a real light tackle challenge. Here in the Keys, bonefish generally average in the 6 to 8 pound range with fish of 10 to 12 or larger not uncommon. They are usually fished in water less than two feet deep, and sometimes are seen so shallow that their tails and dorsal fins show as they root out food from the bottom. This is called "tailing" and is the most demanding of angler skills. Bonefish prefer water temperatures over 72 degrees, but can sometimes be found in slightly cooler conditions.

Tarpon (“Silver King”) - These incredible fish offer the ultimate in a shallow water big game fish. During the spring migrations, fish can average from 80 to over 150 pounds. They can be found rolling and feeding in deep backcountry finger channels, in shallow grassy basins or along the edges of bars and flats in 4 to 6 feet of water. Tarpon tend to prefer water temps in the mid 70's for the channels and usually need 78-79 degrees for the flats. The big fish are here in good to excellent numbers from March through July and small tarpon 8-20 pounds are here year-round, disappearing during cold fronts in winter.

Permit - The permit is a very strong and hard fighting fish, averaging 8 to 16 pounds. Fish in the 20 to 35 pound range are common with fish to near 50 pounds showing fairly often. They seem to tolerate slightly cooler and slightly warmer conditions than the bones, and are also here all year with February thru November probably being most productive. Permit are usually found in waters less than 3 to 4 feet deep and will also float in channels or off flat edges in calm situations.

Marinas

ROBBIE'S
Phone: 305-664-9814 * Toll Free: 877-664-8498 * Fax: 305-664-9857
77520 or 84500 Overseas Hwy.
Islamorada , FL 33036
Robbie's of Islamorada offers you a wide variety of marine activities for over 20 years.

WATERMARK ISLAMORADA
Phone: 305-664-8884 * Fax: 305-664-8886
80461 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada , FL 33036
Full service marina offering dry stack & wet slip boat storage from 15' to 50’. Rental boats & kayaks. Valvtect Ethanol free gas, diesel fuel, bottom painting, maintenance service & more! Coming soon: Clubhouse, gourmet restaurant & waterfront bar.

A1A WATERSPORTS
Phone: 305-664-8182
MM 82.7, 82749 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada , FL 33036
Fully equipped Center console, Pontoon and Deck boats from 15-27 feet. Half-day, Full-day, Weekly and Monthly rentals. Delivery available. Waverunner and Kayak Rentals and Tours. A1A Watersports: simply the MOST FUN that the Florida Keys have to offer!

BUD N MARYS FISHING MARINA
Phone: 305-664-2461 * Toll Free: 800-742-7945 * Fax: (305)664-5592
(MM 79.8) Overseas Highway (Oceanside)
Islamorada , FL 33036
Accommodations – "Miss Islamorada" Party Fishing Boat – 15 Offshore Charter boats – 25 Backcountry Guides – Boat Rentals – Tackle Shop – Gas & Diesel, Bait, Ice, Snacks – Dive Shop – Deli – Boat Storage – Transient Dockage

COCONUT COVE RESORT & MARINA
Phone: (305) 664-0123
84801 Old Highway
Islamorada , FL 33036