Reconnect Through Shared Adventures in the Florida Keys
In the Florida Keys, it's possible to savor the things that matter most with the people who matter most on the vacation of a lifetime. The island chain offers scores of opportunities to reconnect through shared experiences and memory-making adventures.
The 125-mile arc of subtropical islands is loaded with adventure, history and natural beauty. Year-round, visitors can walk among historic shipwreck artifacts, "mingle" with winged creatures, "meet" sea turtle patients at the world's first veterinary-certified sea turtle hospital, kayak among brilliant mangrove islands and explore remote national parks.
To begin a lifetime of adventure, underwater enthusiasts can learn to snorkel or scuba dive to explore the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef and America's first undersea park, Keys treasures that are protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
One of the Keys' most popular action-packed adventures, and one rife with good storytelling, is fishing - whether in deep blue water, along the reef or in the backcountry. Who among a bunch of bonding anglers will tell the tallest fish tale at a local eatery while the chef cooks the catch for dinner?
Friends and families can fish together on private half-day or full-day charters for delectable yellowtail snapper, dolphin (mahi-mahi), grouper, kingfish, tuna, cobia and wahoo. Other targets in deep offshore waters include high-leaping sailfish and reel-emptying blue marlin.
Tarpon can be caught near historic Middle Keys bridges. Florida Bay, edged by the "inner" curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry. This region is home to five of the most sought-after gamefish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum) and snook.
Anglers of all ages can catch and release lemon, blacktip, bull and hammerhead sharks - a particularly exciting aspect of catch-and-release fishing. Education is a key facet of the shark fishing experience, as the species is both endangered and misunderstood.
A number of fishing "party boats" dot the Keys. These large vessels typically take 20 to 45 people fishing and generally supply all the needed tackle, along with bait and lots of know-how, so anglers of all ages and experience levels can simply step aboard and fish.
Hiring a backcountry guide or booking a charterboat and captain who knows Keys waters makes for a successful and educational day. These professionals offer a customized interactive experience where anglers learn about the fish they're catching, fishing practices, Florida Keys history and protecting the marine environment and coral reef. Some backcountry guides specialize in teaching casting technique, especially with beginning fly anglers.
Visitors who make charter reservations with recognized Blue Star fishing guides - professionals who educate their clients about sustainable best practices for recreational fishing and conserving the unique Florida Keys ecosystem - help support healthy fisheries so anglers can reconnect through shared adventures for generations to come.
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
Florida Keys fishing information: fla-keys.com/fishing
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