Bahia Honda Park - Tips/Suggestions

JupiterEdge · 08-26-2009, 06:09 PM

Heading down to Bahia Honda - Mid Sept. This will be my 1st trip to the lower Keys in 30 years. We're staying at Bahia Honda Park and I'd appreciate some tips/suggestions for fishing spots/ Restaurants and places to see - things to do while we are there. So far, I've heard that there is a great reef for snorkeling...Looe Reef ? and a nice nature trail and beach inside the park. Also some place Boondogles on another nearby key. Thanks for any tips/suggestions.

FASTFJR · 08-27-2009, 04:08 AM

Were leaving today. The park is nice, made two trips out snorkeling which was excellent. All the beaches on the Atlantic side were filled we seaweed. We ate at Chappys and the Island fish company. Both were good. If your not here to fish or dive their is not much else today.

Bob's Cay · 08-27-2009, 06:46 AM

Jim,

I think you will like Bahia Honda. It has been 30 plus years since I camped there but it always looks inviting every time I pass by. Are you taking your boat? If so I would suggest one of the Top Spot Charts for the area. You can get them locally at Bass Pro or I have a copy if you want to look at it. I also have a couple of cruising guides for the area you might want to look at before you go. Let me know and I will bring them up to the lake.

Bob

studiomac · 08-27-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTFJR

Were leaving today. The park is nice, made two trips out snorkeling which was excellent. All the beaches on the Atlantic side were filled we seaweed. We ate at Chappys and the Island fish company. Both were good. If your not here to fish or dive their is not much else today.

The seaweed is pretty normal. The Atlantic side is a "natural" beach. You won't find heavy machinery grooming the sand every morning like they do in Miami LOL. We spend all our time in the water between the beach and the seagrass. Last time we were there we saw a very friendly group of 5 or 6 stingrays patrolling the shallows. Good place to hang out and relax.

triumphrick · 08-27-2009, 06:59 AM

We camped there a few years ago. The old railroad trestle right at the camp holds lots of snapper. Use live shrimp. Also ate at Cappys. Made a trip to see the key deer on the next island north..
Had a pleasant evening late one night on a reclining lawn chair watching all kinds of stuff in the heavens. Lots of satellites moving overhead and brilliant stars...
Our smaller boat was used mainly inshore, but always had something biting..good luck and hope you have a nice stay..

buddy29766 · 08-27-2009, 08:26 AM

I think you mean Boondocks on Ramrod Key , they have a lot of daily specials ( Sun .39cent wings & $1 mimosa's) and a Putt Putt course, go in to K.W. for the Mallory Square sunset party

TonyNJ · 08-27-2009, 08:27 AM

Keys Fisheries in Marathon (mm 39?) but you'll be too early for Stone Crab season when they have $1 claws in the upper level bar. On the way down try and stop in the Midway Cafe' (mm 88?). Great for breakfast and they roast their own coffee in house. Tom's Harbor House on Duck Key (Hawks Cay resort) is good but a bit pricey, especially the drinks. They will however (as will several restaurants) cook fish you catch for a flat fee, usually $15-$20.

There is the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon and the Marine Mammal Center in Islamorada

Tony

JupiterEdge · 08-27-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks for all the replies, good info!

Fast FJR - Did you find it to be terribly hot? How are the mesquitos? MY wife is starting to worry about the heat and bugs and talking about rescheduling for a cooler month - like April next year.

Bob, Thanks for the tip on the charts. I'm making a run to Bass-Pro and will definitely pick up a chart for that area. If I end up postponing till April next year, I may just take you up on looking at your cruising guide. As it stands now, I'll be headed down before I would have a chance to see them.

FASTFJR · 08-28-2009, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JupiterEdge

Thanks for all the replies, good info!

Fast FJR - Did you find it to be terribly hot? How are the mesquitos? MY wife is starting to worry about the heat and bugs and talking about rescheduling for a cooler month - like April next year.

Bob, Thanks for the tip on the charts. I'm making a run to Bass-Pro and will definitely pick up a chart for that area. If I end up postponing till April next year, I may just take you up on looking at your cruising guide. As it stands now, I'll be headed down before I would have a chance to see them.

The heat index Sunday - Wed was 103-106F too hot for our liking. The bugs were really not too bad at all. If we every go back it will be in the spring or late fall

ljk · 08-28-2009, 02:46 PM

For fishing spots, go to Reef Light Tackle in Big Pine, and ask for 2 write ups they hand out. One covers grouper, the other yellowtail. The writeups include how to get to hotspots off of Big Pine, immediately south of where you're staying.

JupiterEdge · 08-28-2009, 03:55 PM

Great info.. Thank you!

CardsfanfromBoston · 02-17-2010, 10:16 AM

I'm going to Bahia Honda for the day with my girlfriend after a Key West trip. I'd like to do some shore/bridge fishing or possibly from a kayak. What are my options for pole rental/tackle/spots and types of fish?

I've never been to Florida before and am used to catching blues, stripers and flounder in New England. Any advice is greatly appreciated

Paul Barnard · 02-17-2010, 01:03 PM

Bahia Honda State Park is singularly wonderful. Take the snorkeling trip out to Looe Key. I have snorkled all over the Western Hemisphere and it is as good as it gets. The park itself is gorgeous. I would caution you about the current at the cut on the west side. I had to help rescue a swimmer there last summer. Water temps should still be very pleasant....but it's in the heart of hurricane season. Good luck with that.

Edit: Sometimes it helps to look at post dates.