Labor Day at Key West!

[baitfish]

I think I am going for some kind of PFIC record for most pics posted in a post, but when one visits the fishing Mecca's tha are the IGFA fishing hall of fame and museum as well as the Florida Keys one tends to take a few pictures.

In the spirit of celebrating Rebecca's bithday a roadtrip was in order and at the invitation of my aunt and uncle we had a place to rest our heads for a few days. Well actualy they had a 2 bedroom condo on the water with a dock! uhhh hello we will be there. Only one problem, it is 500 miles one way. :-) So we packed up our kayak in the back of the truck gassed up and headed south.

We stopped at the IGFA haal of fame along the way which prolonged the trip but was well worth it! We did get to see the sunset on the way down though.

http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_2.jpg


We got into Key West around 9:00 p.m. and did a little embibing out on the town with my aunt and uncle including a place called Sloppy joes which apparently was Hemingway's old hang out. Although I must say I would think he would not be caught dead there now. But they make a good Pina Colada and Rum Runners!
The next morning we got up and decided to take a look around and it turns out we have our own private pier complete with baracudda and Nurse sharks! The water was so clear Rebecca called Key West "Catalina on Steroids"! I guess Barry Bonds would like it.
Here are some pics which are a collection of fish caught from the dock as well as from our kayak.

http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_3.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_4.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_12.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_6.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_11.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_7.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_8.jpg

Look into my eye!
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_9.jpg

There were a few cuda caught as well, but they did not want to hold still. We wacked the mangroves, pretty much fish a cast.

The next day we rented a scooter and drove around the island. Which being that it only 4 miles x 2 mles, we could have done laps! Along the way we found a little pier in paradise for Ken...
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_14.jpg
Complete with Bonefish!
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_15.jpg
And if you walk around a marina, you just might find 10 5 foot tarpon hanging around. It's hard to see in this picture, but these were easily 100#-150# tarpon just swimming around one of the docks were the sportboats came in.
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_16.jpg


But this was Rebecca's birthday so I think a little sight seeing would be in order so we headed south... as far as you can go...
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_18.jpg
followed by a sunset cruise...
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_20.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_21.jpg

I think she may have had a good time. :-)
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_23.jpg
And the time had come to start our trip back which was on the only road in the keys which means that we will have to sit in traffic and get home a 2:00 in the morning. But when this is your view along the way, one can hardly complain.

http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_22.jpg

The traffic was barely moving so we decided to make a stop at for lunch and apparently Islamorada has a nice little tackle shop to stop at for lunch!
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_29.jpg
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_30.jpg
They also have a little boat in the store it just happened to be the predecessor to Hemingway's boat.
http://www.pierfishing.com/msgboard/images/key_west_31.jpg


But this amazing trip had to come to an end and we still had 380 miles to go. But I can not recommend a trip to the Keys enough, the whole place is so rich with fishing history it is like Mecca for those who enjoy all that is fishing!

[Corr]

Thanks for the guided tour, I enjoyed that and sure looks like you had a great time.

Lovely scenery!

[baitfish]

Thanks Corr, I am glad you enjoyed it! We had an absolute blast!

[baitfish]

Sinker,

I was kind of bummed that we were going by Sinkers House at 10:30 pm on Monday evening. I was hoping we would have had time to stop by and say hi to you and the family.

[pghayes]

Awesome trip, Me and my wife are plannning that same trip real soon.

[Sinker]

Sinker,

I was kind of bummed that we were going by Sinkers House at 10:30 pm on Monday evening. I was hoping we would have had time to stop by and say hi to you and the family.

Should have called, came by, had a drink or two (maybe three) and stayed the night. Called in sick to work and I could have taken you out off shore the next day heheehe.

NEXT TIME

[baitfish]

I was contemplating it believe me, but for sure we will have to do it soon.

Our house is almost done, so we will be moving in the first week of November...Finally!. We hope to have everything ready by Thanksgiving!

Here are some pics of the progress if you want to check them out.

http://picasaweb.google.com/b8tfish

[Sinker]

Nice man. I'm happy for you guys.

Yes we do need to get together. Things are tough with the kids, work, etc., etc., etc.

[tdFish]

That's Cool

[SourCreamnJive]

Thanx for the memories I grew up there and still have a house in Key West! I see you caught a few Key West Pork Chops, (Grunts) LOL! I've performed in many bands all around Duval St. and I Love that you found White Street Pier, that's a great fishing hole at night!