florida in april

[Loren E]

so it is looking like florida is the spot for the family trip in april. we will be there for 1-2 weeks, still not exactly sure about timing. my understanding is that there are 2 main types of inshore fisheries in florida, the northern part of the state (east coast? west coast?), that hold snook, refish, trout, and tarpon, and then there is the florida keys which is much more bahamas-like flats with bonefish, permit and tarpon (plus some offshore fly fishing). i'd like to spend some time fly fishing each, but i don't know what areas are and arn't worth the time, which coast to be on, etc. We are looking for good fishing, plus wildlife viewing/historical sites/etc for the non-fishing portion of the family. Any suggestions about areas, as well as guide recomendations would be greatly appreciated (so many guides in florida it is overwhelming). also, are there any places in the backcountry/flats/surf where DIY fishing is possible? i've been checking out some guide pages, and a full day of fishing is running between 500 and 700 dollars, so it might be nice to explore some on my own. thanks in advance –Loren

[PaulC]

Hey Loren,
I fished out there a couple years back in October in the Naples area.
http://kiene.com/messageboard/viewto...ghlight=naples

Would be worth giving the guys at everglades angler a call. April is a good time for tarpon out there. Been on my list, just haven't found the time to do it.
-Paul

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I would email "The Florida Keys Outfitters" owned by Sandy Moret in Islamorada.

http://www.floridakeysoutfitters.com/index.htm

I think they should have some books and maps for some wade fishing in the Keys.

[Loren E]

thanks for the help Paul and Bill, i appreciate it guys.