What will I need for Keys trip in June

[tprice]

We have 2 families going to Islamorada in June and I am wanting to get all my gear in order before then.

I think I have the equipment I need, I have 4 TLD 15's, several Penn 310 & 320 GTI's and spinning gear. Also have boat fully equipped as well.

THe biggest thing I am not sure about is what type of lures we will need. I do a lot of bottom fishing here in SC and also trolling for kings with live bait but this will be my first experince on my boat trolling for Mahi and what ever else we come across.

What are some of the most common lures and colors we will need. I have been told that blue and white Islanders and Green/Yellow and the most favorable colors. Also are cedar plugs used much, we use them a lot up here for Wahoo and such.

Also how about the reef fishing, I will have 3 teenage boys with me and I want them to have a great time.

Thanks for any help

[steelhead130]

Try www.islamoradasportfishing.com/forums/ Capt. russ is always willing to help out with questions.

[Salt Shaker]

I will be there on Memorial day week. I always put a red/white feather out. Blue/white feather or islander are also good. Ballyho in the spread also. Have picked up small dolphin 120-160 ft off reef but do better in 700-1000 ft. Take a down rigger if you have one. Buy topspot chart to find wrecks in the area. Good bottom fishing on both sides of reef. We always Chum. I see you are from Anderson. I grew up in Walhalla, now live in Brunswick, Ga.

[tprice]

I already have a Topspot map and I am lookig at the Navionics chip for my Lowrance
for the area from SC to Keys so I hope that will help.

Yes I do have a downrigger on my boat as well.

Also how far is the run to deeper water, I will be in a 21' boat??

[tunatyme]

Find a large wreck in 100 to 150' get on top of it put out the chum. Have live pin fish and crabs on spinning tackle. The Permit will love the crab and the cobia will eat the live bait. When I go off shore I have most of my luck running and gunning. Pick a spot and set it on the GPS. Most of the time I never make it there becouse of what you see on the way. Weed line fish it, Board fish it, rip line fish it. Always have cut bait ready to go. Behind World Wide Sportsmans on the gulf side you can fish for Cudas in the deeper channels. Rig a mullet or hoo on wire and troll at 12 knots , you will be almost be on plane and BAM SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS big cuda. Toss about 6 in the cooler and go to the ocean side and find a flat with a channel between them. Get there on a low tide and back cut the cudas leaving the meat on at the tail. Tie him off behind the boat and mister shark WILL be there in no time when the tide rolls in. If you have a full moon be at a deep wreck at dusk with a pink 1/2 OZ hairless jig and look on the fish finder for the line of fish . They will be at around 50' drop the crab down and put the rod in the holder. Before you know it a LARGE Mutton snapper will SLAM that crab. And last But not least the Tarpon. Get the TLD 25 and rig it with 80lb fluro and a 10/0 circle hook with no weight. Go to World Wide Sports Man and get some live mullet. They are not cheap and only get as many as your live well will keep alive , start at 6. At High slack tide go to a bride ANY bridge and let the mullet swim around the pillings you won't believe what a 100lb a tarpon looks like pumping 6' in the air. I hope this helps you out. If you have any other questions just let me know. I will help you make this a great trip for you and your kids.

Tight lines Dave

[Salt Shaker]

I have a 20' CC and pick my days to go to deep water. 700-1000 ft will start about 25 miles out. The Gulf stream last year was closer in so we did good at 600-700 ft'. Go by Bud & Marys to get the latest reports. When you see the large rips you will start seeing weed and debris. The TLD 15's will do fine, thats what I use. Cut threadfin or other fish chuncks and rig a spinning reel with bare hook and 30# mono. when we get dolphin to the boat we start chuncking. If seas are to rough go inshore on gulf side. Deep cuts and channels hold mangrove snapper. Look on the map for Ironwood channel, and behind Rabbit Key. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. I've got three kids and they love it down there. Been going for last ten years. Have cought wahoo , and sails on the blue & white Islander with ballyho. The feathers and no-alibi type have done best for me on dolphin. 1/4 oz and 1/2 oz feathers.