CyberAngler

Planning a first time trip to keys in mid-June 04, with wife and two daughters (14&16) for 7 days. trying to decide between taking a large pop-up with air for economy, or tow my 21' Thompson V8 IO w fresh water cooling,cuddy cabin and rent an efficiency some where. Primary species is tarpon and any other that is in my range with this boat.My equipment is primariy set up for great lakes trolling, but willing to purchase other rods/reels if necessary. Other interests are do it yourself snorkling, swimming for family. Where is the best place to set up home base. that would give me best of both worlds? I know about Marathon Islamorado and Fiesta Key. Do you trailer from fishing spot to spot, or have one location that is best. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated. Coming from PA.

I guess it will depend on how many days you plan to be on the water. With that in mind, compare the cost of renting a boat for those days, with cost of an efficiency.

Mid-June is a prime time for Tarpon. 20-lb., or bigger, outfits should be fine and live well on your boat would be a plus+

Good luck and let us know how you did

Thanks for the info. I have two electric downriggers. Are they useful in the keys ? Any comments?

Sure. You can use your downriggers for many different things in Keys. Use them for trolling baits over reefs for grouper and other bottom dwellers. Use them at mid depth for kingfish. Use them offshore for wahoo…

Grex....I'll be in the Keys (Marathon) from 6/8-17 with my wife and two daughters as well (18, 19). I was in the Keys before but was not able to do any fishing (ouch). Anyway, I'm trying to research best places, etc.
I would love to meet someone that is in the same predicament and perhaps split costs/knowledge.
Email me if you would like to correspond.
[email protected]

Thanks!
Ron