Planning a winter trip to Key West? Legions of light-tackle anglers have been doing just that for decades. The bottom-fishing is out of this world, particularly in the fabled region "down west" toward the Dry Tortugas. There’s also good sailfish and tuna action offshore, plus flats fishing for permit, sharks and cobias. Local writer David Conway provides an up-close look at winter reef fishing in the December issue of Florida Sportsman. Here for a Web exclusive is a starter list of accommodations and other resources for travelers.
Marinas:
The City Marina at Garrison Bight Charter Row
711 Eisenhower Drive, Key West
(305) 292 8167
Oceanside Marina
5950 Peninsula Avenue
Stock Island
(305) 294 4676
Conch Harbor Marina
951 Caroline Street
Key West
(305) 294 2933.
Hotels:
Radisson Hotel Key West
3820 North Roosevelt Blvd
Key West
(305) 294-5511
Simonton Court Historic Inn
320 Simonton Street
Key West
(305) 294 6386.
DoubleTree Grand Key Resort
3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd
Key West
(305) 293-1818.
Tackle Shops:
Conchy Joe’s
2300 North Roosevelt Blvd
(305) 294 7745
Good local advice
Key West Marine Hardware
818 Caroline St
Key West
(305) 294 3519.
Tackle and boat supplies
Boater’s World
3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
(305) 295 9232.
Restaurants:
Cafe Sole. 1029 Southard Street, Key West. (305) 294 0230. Old Town location, local favorite, simply the best seafood in town.
Hickory House. 5948 Maloney Avenue, next to Oceanside Marina, Stock Island. (305) 292 2211. Casual, a good place to bring your catch to be cooked.
Charter Captains expert in the fisheries Down West:
Ralph Delph – delphfishing.com (305) 294 6072.
Steve Hassel – (305) 304 6853
Pepe Gonzalez – pepescharters.com (305) 304 0983
Steve Rodger – Spearonecharters.com (305) 294 9311
Dave Esquinaldo – (305) 294 5670
Paul D’Antoni – fishinkeywest.com (305) 923 4412.
FS
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