mercredi 28 novembre 2012

Fly Fishing Key West Waters Offers Anglers An Amazing Experience

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.

When the adrenaline-pumping action becomes too much, this tranquil area is also the perfect setting to relax and get in touch with nature in beautiful surroundings. The islands are dotted with bird-life including spoonbills, ibis, egrets, cormorants, blue heron, terns, ospreys and bald eagles. There are plenty of photo opportunities as the near-silence is only disturbed by the occasional sound of a fish jumping or a bird calling.

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.

The final preparation before the first cast of the fly is to encourage the fish to feed near the surface using live bait. Now you are ready to put your skills to the test. Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Cobia, Bonito and Sailfish are some of the most sought after specimens amongst the two hundred and twenty five species of game fish that thrive in these waters.

Special flies are advisable in the Keys. The offshore fly fisherman will improve their chances with a rod blank taper to generate wind-cutting line speed. Rods should have a flexible tip, and a butt that will turn and lift large fish from beneath a boat. Components have to be able to resist abuse from salt and long, sustained fights with fast-swimming fish. Rods should be rigged on the night before a trip. Live bait is used to promote surface feeding before casting the lure.

Relaxing in the peaceful flats, the only sounds those of bird-calls or fish jumping, or thrill-seeking offshore, it is obvious why so many anglers love fly fishing Key West waters. This beautiful area teems with game fish. The Florida Keys show Mother Nature at her best.




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