Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 17:42

Light Tackle Fishing

Florida Keys light tackle fishing combines the best of both offshore and inshore fishing experiences.

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.

Hawks Cay light tackle charters can also pursue mangrove snapper, goliath grouper, sharks and more in the calm waters of Florida Bay. Snook, permit and bonefish can be caught in the shallows, large cobia stalk the deep Gulf wrecks and tarpon abound at the local bridges and channels.

Light tackle fishing is 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.

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.

Light tackle vessels range from the accessible flats skiff to the economical bay boats or larger center consoles, and can accommodate anywhere from two to four anglers.

Just a few of the light tackle species you will catch in the Florida Keys:

Tarpon
Tarpon Common from 40 to 50 pounds, big fish of 100 to 150 pounds in some areas. Recent Florida record 243 pounds. Best April through June.
Snook
Snook Most catches 3 to 15 pounds, 16- to 30-pounders also common. Recent Florida record 44 lbs, 3 oz. Best in spring and summer.
Yellow Tail Snapper
Yellow Tail Snapper Common to 3 pounds. Recent Florida record 8 lbs, 9 oz. Caught year-round, best in summer.
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic Sailfish Common at 30-60 pounds. Recent Florida record 116 lbs, 10 oz. Best March through May.
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Most catches from 20 to 50 pounds. Recent Florida record 77 lbs, 12 oz. Caught year-round, best March through May.
Black Grouper
Black Grouper Common to 40 pounds. May weigh up to 100 pounds. No Florida record due to common confusion with the Gag Grouper. Caught year-round.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper Average up to 150 lbs., but can exceed 400 lbs. Caught year-round. Florida record is 680 lbs.
Cobia
Cobia Common to 30 pounds. Recent Florida record 103 lbs. 12 ozs. Best November through March.
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle Common to 25 lbs. Recent Florida record 51 lbs. Winter inshore and offshore year-round.
Triple Tail
Triple Tail Common up to 15 lbs. Florida record 32 lbs. Caught in the spring near crab and lobster buoys.
African Pompano
African Pompano Common up to 40 pounds. Florida record 50 lbs. 8 oz. Plentiful year-round.

Our Boats

Center Console BoatsCenter Console Boats
Light tackle center console boats are ideal for nearly every type of Florida Keys fishing. Light tackle boats can easily fish the bridges, channels, and calm waters of Florida Bay; and are seaworthy enough to venture out to the reef or head offshore for large pelagic game fish. Light tackle boats range in length from 22 to 36 feet and can accommodate four to six anglers.
Bay Fishing Boats Bay Boats
The bay boat is small enough to fish the shallows for bonefish, permit and tarpon, and stable enough to venture out to the reef on calm days. Bay fishing charter boats range in length from 20 to 24 feet and can accommodate up to four anglers.
Flats Fishing BoatsFlats Fishing Boats
Specifically designed for sight fishing the shallow Florida Keys flats and the backcountry, flats skiffs allow you to fish where most other boats can’t. Most flats boats come equipped with a poling platform (on which the guide stands and poles you across the flat) and an open casting deck where you will cast for bonefish, permit, sea trout, tarpon and more. Flats fishing charter boats range in length from 17 to 25 feet and can accommodate two to three anglers.
Fish artwork courtesy of Cayaman Arts Inc.