Anytime this gets to be TMI, tell me..
PM me if you need more,,,
Fishing,,
License - Florida has some old Jim-Crow laws,, if you are standing on dry land, no license is needed,, touch water you need one. This allows fisherman & families to grocery fish. BUT, to save your wallet,, you should have a Florida Salt Water Products fishing license. Most tackle shops & K-marts sell them. Non-residents can get a short term(3day,,??). If you are on a Licenced Fishing Charter, the Cpt/boat is responsible for the a blanket fishing license. With or with the license, you still have to abide to the limit/size regs.
Where:
FREE-BEE's - Bridge, Wade, Beach - It's everywhere, easy, and you probably have the gear. Bait - shrimp, squid, pin-fish, cut-bait, just about anything. Tackle 15 lb spinning, 5 wt - 8 wt fly rod, med-heavy bass casting rod.
Charter -
There are several head boats in Marathon, see Cpt Hooks or ask concierge. Dave Navarro's World Class Angler, Marathon, Dave runs a real good shop, live bait, full service,, MM 49. Dave is a Cpt and has charter Capt's on call..
Notes:
- some will keep all fish caught as "crew tips", find out before you pay
- the best are top priced and booked in advanced, my neighbor books 2 years ahead, so he gets the right tides for his customers,, and they get best airfares.
- most will supply all gear & bait, your responsible for drinks & food
Type of Fish - ANYTHING & Everything. Snapper, Grunts, small Barracuda, Mackerel(Spanish, King, Cero), Grouper are everywhere, you do need to be aware of size limits, slot limits, and seasons. When you buy bait or license they should have a fat brochure with all the data.
Warning - With the exception of some carp,, ALL FISH IN THE OCEAN ARE CARNIVORES,, They eat meat, the only difference between a Great White Pointer and a Goby is the size of the teeth and span of the mouth. DO NOT LIP LAND and think you fingers will be OK..
Warning 2 - We have both fresh water Gators and the North American Saltwater Crocodile in the Keys. When shore wading keep an eye out..
Warning 3 - We have jelly fish, urchins, and rays in shallow water. They can hurt you,, ask Steve Irwin. The Portuguese Wan-of-War jellyfish is very bad and looks pretty to kids,, little purple bubble head..
Warning 4 - when going out on a head-boat charter, the Cpt is trying to please all customers,, so if you & your get sea sick,, he will probably not bring you in,, get the motion pills before leaving the dock...
I put together a note several years ago for wade fishing the Keys. It is still viably and applicable to spin and casting rod fisherman.
http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=95444
Your kids are the perfect age to start fishing. Just be aware that a 3-4-5 hour charter may stretch their attention span. Especially if you go off-shore for big game. The bigger the fish,, the more time you spend,, it's called paying dues..
If you want,, next instalation,, how to get here and where to stop and what see, as you drive into the Keys...