Florida....

FLYDRIVE GREAT FISHING...

Fishing The Keys, in the sunshine state of Florida.

Expect excellent fishing for reef shark and smaller tarpon from November to February. There's always prolific shark fishing for lemon, bull, duskie, black tips and potentially really big tiger sharks. The back country fishing in the Gulf is excellent and fly and bait fishing the flats for bonefish and redfish is good at this time too.

Great blue water sport for Dorado, sailfish, swordfish, amberjacks and a host of other species is excellent. This really is a big fish big action location.

The fantastic 100 to 200 pounds tarpon are on the scene from March through into June. These fish will test you to the limits; your guide will put you on fish, but landing them is another story. Even experienced tarpon anglers expect to lose at least 50% of takes; fish like this really are something special.

We highly recommend daily direct scheduled flights from the UK to Miami with British Airways. Choose from standard economy, premium upgrades or business/first class. Generally, the earlier you book the better the price. Special group rates apply too. There is always the option to upgrade at a supplement.

Islamorada - The Tarpon Capital of the World

In addition to the top drawer fishing, Islamorada really is the ideal anglers holiday destination with dozens of superb tackle stores, including the famous "Worldwide Bass Pro Shop" along with numerous superb places to eat out. A week's fishing in Islamorada makes a great add on if making the traditional family pilgrimage to the famous central Florida based theme parks or many other tourist attractions that are found throughout "The Sunshine State".

It's hard to dispute Islamorada's self- proclaimed and much quoted title of being the "Sports Fishing Capital of the World". Located in the Florida Keys, approximately half way between Miami and Key West, Islamorada really is something of a haven for visiting anglers, whose biggest challenge is likely to be in deciding which of the countless species of fish to target.

Basically the fishing in "The Keys" can be split into two main categories. Firstly there is the shallow water, flats style fishing in the Gulf of Mexico where giant tarpon, bone fish, permit, red fish, snook and other species are fished, invariably using light tackle amidst the vast turtle grass flats and deeper interconnecting channels and bridges. There is also a magnificent shark fishery here, where visiting anglers are all but guaranteed of hooking into a hundred pound shark, again on light and sporting tackle. Sharks caught include lemon, nurse, black tip, bull or even a tiger or hammerheads, not to mention enormous, tackle busting stingrays.

Out in the deeper water found off the Atlantic coast, you will have the opportunity, obviously depending on season, of fishing for sailfish, swordfish, blue marlin, tuna, dorado, amberjacks and many other popular species that frequent the reefs, banks and indigo blue water of the Gulf Stream.

Transfers:

Either take a self drive vehicle rental (excellent value) or choose the regular shuttle bus service from Miami Airport to the Keys. Private charters available.

Guided Fishing at Bud N Mary's.

World acclaimed angling centre, top guides with immense knowledge of Gulf and Blue Water fishing. All tackle and bait supplied. Fly, lure and bait fishing. Excellent value accommodation. Year round location. Any duration holidays. Ideal for 2 to 20 guests. Fishing itineraries to suit each groups requirements.

Dave Lewis escorts small groups of anglers in search of winter/spring sunshine and fabulous action. Ask for details of these escorted trips. At Bud N Marys you enjoy flexible fishing trips, great guides and all tackle provided. All angling techniques are catered for. Pefect for serious and family angling groups of 2 plus.

Guided Fishing with John Rawle

John's guided holidays are available from March to early June, with the option of 7, 10 or 14 nights with tailor made fishing itineraries. Ideal for individuals and small groups seeking serious exclusive fishing for big tarpon, shark etc.

Four guided trips are usually included in the 7-day holiday cost, but you may choose to book additional sessions at extra cost. Fully guided by John and his expert team, with all tackle and bait included. Tarpon fishing sessions are generally 4 to 5-hours, invariably late evening into night or early morning into daybreak. Shark sessions are morning or afternoon for 4 to 6-hours. The prime fishing areas are from five to twenty minutes from John's moorings in his fast boat.

"John Rawle is without doubt the expert, you listen carefully to what he says, put it into practice, and you catch. He 'broke me in' with a days shark fishing, we hooked into tail walking, highly acrobatic black tips and big lemons. My pal Bill hooked into a huge tiger shark, it pulled the boat for about 20 minutes then smashed the line as if it was cotton. But it's those huge, arm aching, back breaking fights with 100 pound plus tarpon that I will never forget. John has a strategy that works. I hooked into around 20 big tarpon, landing 9 to 170 pounds (John accurately guessed the weight). We fish late, through the night and early, depending on the tide... and we catch. Landing these big silver beasts is another thing! As John said to me half way through a 1 hour fight with my biggest fish " you really have to want to catch a big tarpon if you want to win the fight".

Des Taylor

Destinations Within In Florida

Islamorada

Florida

Full board

Guests stay with John & Carole Rawle in a 3 bedroom private house, right by the water's edge where you depart for great fishing trips with John and his hand picked guides. Bedrooms are twin bedded and there are two bathrooms. Guests have the use of a small kitchen, garden, hot tub and barbecue. There is a private sandy beach a short stroll away. Ample car parking. Guests require car hire from Miami International for transfers and to access restaurants and shops in the nearby town.

Flights to Miami then car hire and a two and a half hour's drive to Islamorada.

Price Examples (per person)
From £999.00 includes accommodation (no meals), and 5 fishing trips (Tarpon & Shark). Excludes car hire (for transfers) and flights to Miami.
We can offer special inclusive packages.
Ideal for groups of 2 to 6 persons.
(House only rental during winter months)