Summerland Key Fishing Charters & Guides

Summerland Key Fishing Charters

As you travel Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys there are islands everywhere. Some are recognizable: Key Largo, Marathon Key and of course Key West; while others are not. In the lower keys, close to Key West, is one of these lesser known islands: Summerland Key. Vacationers are more likely to rent a home on the island than find a hotel as it’s more residential. But when visiting you should explore all of Summerland Key. There’s a splattering of islands to the north that reach into the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. In Summerland Key, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is more commonly referred to as the “backcountry.” The wildlife in this area is unparalleled with anywhere else in the world. The water is calm and clear and the fishing is fantastic. More species are caught on backcountry fishing charters than any other charter. That’s because you can cast your line more frequently than on offshore charters. And you’re not spending time getting to the fishing grounds. The backcountry is just a short boat ride from most Florida Keys. When fishing the backcountry from Summerland Key you’ll be casting within ten minutes of leaving the dock, or less. On the southside of Summerland Key is the Florida Reef. Another excellent place for anglers to cast a line, and very popular for scuba divers. The reefs are generally in waters 15-30 feet deep and offer a variety of species living throughout the structure. Charters fishing the reefs will find snapper, grouper, and barracuda to name a few. Spiny lobsters are another favorite species to target when visiting the nearby Summerland Key reefs while they’re in season, of course. To the southwest, another short boat ride from Summerland Key, is a 2 acre private tropical island, Melody Key. Unlike Little Palm Island, another paradise resort island, Melody Key offers exclusive, private vacations; your group will be the only guests on the island. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house hosts groups of six for weeks at a time. Although currently not taking reservations, it’s a unique way to experience all that the Florida Keys has to offer.

Summerland Key Inshore Fishing

The silver king reigns in the Florida Keys. More commonly known as tarpon, this species drives anglers mad with their appeal and fight. Tarpon is catch-and-release only, but that’s if you can get them to the boat. Most will jump and thrash to throw the line and you’ll be crying about “the one that got away.” Peak tarpon fishing in Summerland Key is from April to June, although they are good fishing in the spring and fall as well. Fish the shallow waters of the backcountry to target your next silver king. Along with tarpon, there are about 250 different species of fish near Summerland Key. Another inshore favorite is redfish. Redfish are easily identified by the black dot or dots near the beginning of the tail. They are bottom dwellers found throughout the bays, canals, and shores of the Keys. Anglers will catch either with light tackle or fly fishing. Fishing for redfish in the Florida Keys is a dream for most fishermen and women. Hire a local Summerland Key guide that will have everything you need to catch bull reds or slot reds. Most guides will use a popping cork that imitates crab or shrimp that the reds love so much and entice them to the hook. It’s a technique that may take some practice, so fishing with a local guide that knows the tricks to the trade is recommended. Many anglers will opt for kayak fishing near Summerland Key. Kayak fishing gets you closer to the wildlife than any other vessel. You are literally closer to the water and shores in a kayak and can access more of the backcountry than most. Fishing from a kayak is easy once you get the hang of the technique. Paddleboard fishing is another similar technique, allowing anglers to stand in the middle of the backcountry to fish for their next trophy. There are many advantages to kayak fishing, including the ability to sneak up on schools of fish. Without a noisy motor, kayaks are able to glide among the mangroves. Anglers typically drift fish from a kayak and are very successful in regards to their catch rate. The only possible downside is where to keep your catch on the kayak. Or you can practice catch-and-release and continue to protect the fisheries.

Summerland Key Offshore Fishing

Fishing offshore from Summerland Key will get you to the monster of the Atlantic in no time at all. The Gulf Stream, a current of water running from the Keys to Iceland, offers some of the best fishing in the world. And it’s at the front door of the Florida Keys. Charter boats fishing offshore from the Keys can spend days on the water; it is without a doubt the best adventure for any die-hard angler. But you don’t need to be a die-hard angler to appreciate and enjoy an Summerland Key offshore charter. Most run six hours and can get you on the fish you’re looking to catch. If mahi mahi (or dolphin, dorado) is what you’re looking for, your captain will get you hooked up on a school in no time. Typically once one mahi mahi is on the line, captains will keep it in the water so others on the boat can hook up on other members of the school. If you’re looking for a good, tough fight in the deep waters of the Atlantic then try targeting amberjack. These monsters are tough fighters so make sure you have heavy tackle and a first mate ready to help you out. It’s an adrenaline rush that’s worth every second; those bragging about catching an amberjack get immediate street cred.

Book A Summerland Key Fishing Charter

Summerland Key fishing charters are ready for your fishing adventure. Whether you want to try kayak fishing in the backcountry or fighting the tough amberjack in the Atlantic, a professional captain will get you on the fish. Select your Summerland Key fishing charter here.