Long Key, Monroe County, FL
Sunny
·
85°F
·
Feels 96°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Good bite window opening. Fish are moving — get on the water.
80-150lb mono leader with crimps
Tarpon require heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders; their mouths are tough and bony
Classic rootbeer-colored DOA shrimp imitation
Flats standard — works everywhere for redfish, permit, seatrout
Gold spoon with fiber weed guard
Essential flats tool — triggers redfish and permit around grass
10lb braid + 20lb fluorocarbon leader
Perfect flats combo — lightweight, sensitive, and powerful
Local Fishing Resource
Tarpon, permit, yellowtail — the most iconic fishery in the world
Open the Monroe County Cheat Sheet
Lutjanus synagris
Small snapper with distinctive yellow stripes and pink spot.
Local Notes: Bottom fish the bridge structure at Long Key Bridge with shrimp on small circle hooks.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Stack under the bridge at Long Key Bridge at night. Light tackle and live shrimp — go light on the leader.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: World-class tarpon action at Long Key Bridge during spring migration. Free-line live crabs under the bridge at night.
Ocyurus chrysurus
Beautiful snapper with yellow tail and lateral stripe. Excellent table fare.
Local Notes: Abundant around the bridge structure at Long Key Bridge. Chum and freeline on light fluorocarbon.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Local Notes: Follow sharks and rays past Long Key Bridge. Sight-cast live pinfish or eel.
Trachinotus falcatus
Highly prized sport fish. Challenging to catch on flats and around wrecks.
Local Notes: Cruise the flats adjacent to Long Key Bridge looking for crabs. Sight-casting live crabs on the falling tide.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Hold to the bridge pilings at Long Key Bridge. Fiddler crabs or shrimp on light tackle.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Rip through Long Key Bridge during bait runs. Spoons and plugs on the current edges.
