Capt. Pauls Guide to Fishing Guide's down South.

I've had enough of talking local politics for now. This cold stretch has Janet and I talking about heading south for a spell and I to wet a line. Janet and I have been heading down to the Keys for the last 20 years and hit some Caribbean Islands  for vacation.

I love fishing in the Keys. I have fished from Key Largo to Key West Fla. and this is in my option the fishing capital of the world . In February Key Largo has the best Sailfishing as the reef is only 3 miles off shore and after catching your live bait your on them in no time.

 Mid April- May is the best time to go for Tarpon because they are migrating from open sea to the gulf to spawn. I have fished under the 7 mile bridge and the Bay of Honda with thousands of Tarpon heading into the Gulf.

Off shore fishing  is awesome pulling up Grouper,  Yellow Tail Tuna , King Mackerel  and huge Barracuda and the prize of all Mai Mai Dolphin,   On the Gulf side you catch Snapper, Yellow Fin and many another smaller good eating fish that you can bring to any restaurant and they will prepare it as you wish and only pay for the side dishes.

There are hundreds of guides set up at their booths at marinas and and they are smooth talkers with their shiny 42ft sport fishing boats behind them. They have pictures and videos of huge fish displayed and everyone guarantee's fish. .....If you want to pay between 1500 to 2000 for a day of fishing.

I bypass all those guys and walk the docks and look for guys fileting fish and blood on the boat and guys having a couple of beers all sweaty and stinky. Stop and talk to these guys because they are the real deal and not some Corporate Company that owns a few shiny boats and give you a boat ride with air conditioned cabins.

You can deal with these guys or put your name on a list to split the fishing trip with other guys to defray the cost and it won't be any more than 800 to 1000 for the boat and you will most likely get more  than a day you wanted because they love to fish.

I have never paid more than 200 for a full day of world class fishing in the Keys . I have caught 16 Sailfish and a 200lbs Tarpon and Mai Mai to feed a army. Don't fall into the tourist trap and walk the docks,,,,,,,,some guys will take your money because they love to fish and cover their expenses .

Sea Ya
The Capt.