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Light Tackle Fishing

Florida Keys light tackle fishing combines the best of both offshore and inshore fishing experiences. It's ideal for beginners who have never experienced the thrill of saltwater fishing before and for advanced anglers looking to feel the drag-screaming power of fighting a fat grouper or hundred-pound tarpon on light-spinning gear. Light tackle trips journey into the Atlantic Ocean to fish the reef for snapper, grouper, sailfish and more; or will venture beyond the reef to pursue large game fish such as Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), wahoo, tuna and marlin.

Florida Keys light tackle charters can also pursue mangrove snapper, goliath grouper and sharksin the calm waters of Florida Bay. Snook, permit and bonefish can be caught in the shallow, while large cobia stalk the deep Gulf wrecks and tarpon are abound at the local bridges and channels. Hawks Cay Resort is proud to offer guests the opportunity to fish with the very best Florida Keys light tackle guides, who will tailor your trip to target the species you wish to catch. Their vessels range from economical bay boats to larger center consoles and can accommodate anywhere from one to four anglers.

Light Tackle Fish Species

In addition to the light-tackle species below, anglers may catch the Atlantic sailfish and yellowtail snapper. Sailfish are common at 30-60 pounds and best fished March through May. The recent Florida record is 116 pounds, 10 ounces. Yellowtail snapper are common at three pounds and best found April through June. The Florida record for yellowtail snapper is 10 pounds and 9 ounces.