Renting a Boat in the Keys

Dining at Morada Bay
Snorkeling at Matecumbe

Fishing at the Bridge

An essential part of a Keys vacation is boating. Some may think that the only way to enjoy the Keys is to own a boat. However, we found that there are a number of affordable boating options in the Keys for those who don’t own a boat. In our case, we started the week on a snorkeling trip to a reef off of Marathon. Later in the week, we chartered a sportfishing boat. And then, today, we rented a 23 foot deck boat from Robbie’s, the marina on Lower Matecumbe Key that is famous for its “tame” tarpon. At Robbie’s the tarpon have been hand fed for years and they sit like submarines, 5-7 feet long, awaiting the fish from the tourists. Robbie’s charges a whopping $1.00 per person to go on the pier and another $2..79 for a small bucket of bait fish to feed the tarpon—an unforgettable experience. Robbie’s is also a place where you can rent a boat for eight hours for only $235.00. You pay for gas (we used 22 gals.) and oil and tax and so it cost us about $320.00 but it was worth every penny. Though I am experienced at boating, I am certain that an inexperienced boater could comfortably handle this adventure. The staff at Robbie’s offers excellent advice as to operation and as to the places to see. The one thing you need to know in the keys is brown water (shallow) is bad and blue water (deep) is good. There are fines for churning up the bottom of the environmentally sensitive shallows. We embarked and quickly found the mangrove lined natural canal that takes you to the southern end of the Key. We toured the manmade canals of beautiful homes and equally interesting boats. Back into the open water we fished the bridge area and caught a mangrove snapper and blowfish. We went on the leeward side of an island and snorkeled. Then across to Upper Matecumbe to the Morada Café. I don’t know if I have been to a restaurant in a more idyllic setting. The family enjoyed a fine meal on the white sand while listening to island music. From there we rode from the bay to the ocean and back several times. We were so worn out we returned the boat before the 5:00 due time. Then back to the condo where we ate more fish ! Check out www.youtube.com/nosyfieldstone for vids of the adventure.

Real Fishing in the Keys

I probably haven't done a good job of teaching our boys how to fish. But it's never too late. Today we went out on the "Reef Runner" here in Islamorada with Captain Paul out of Whale Harbor. It was me and our boys, Troy, Cyrus and Darius. We left port at 7:00 a.m. I told the Captain that we wanted to go for the beautiful dolphin fish also known as Mahi Mahi. Though more elusive than some of the bottom feeders that can generally be easy prey, the Mahi is my favorite eating fish. We joined some other boats about 11 miles out where it looked like there was some action, but it was not happening enough for Captain Paul's liking. We ended up about 16 miles out near some floating debris including some driftwood. We got our first strike and when we reeled in that dolphin, numerous others joined the hapless victim in schooling behind our boat. We then began to chaotically throw our baited spinning lines at the brethren who struck mercilessly. We quickly had four on at a time and continued to catch fish for 1.5 hours including dolphin, triple tails, amberjack and yellowtail. Our main objective was to keep the bait away from the jack and the yellowtail so we could catch some dolphin. The boys very quickly learned how to fish and boated numerous fish. We started back and hooked an albacore tuna and Cyrus brought it in from the fighting chair. This place blows N.C. offshore fishing out of the water as you are out into serious fishing waters after five miles. In North Carolina it is 60 miles before you hit the gulfstream and that 3.5 hours out and 3.5 hours back. If you love fishing, come to the Keys. If you never thought much about fishing but want to try, come to the Keys. We caught 21 dolphin, the tuna, the triple tail and assorted other fish. Check out the pictures and my youtube, www.youtube.com/nosyfieldstone for more.

The Keys

Islamorada Sunset

Our family takes an annual trip when the kids are out of school for spring break. We have been blessed to be able to go to some interesting places, mostly cities like Barcelona, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and of course that most cosmopolitan of cities, Disneyworld. This year we decided to go a little less urban and chose a week in the Florida Keys and in particular, Islamorada. Fariba and I had our introduction to the Keys in world class style back around 1993 when we were the guests of the late Dick Moroso at his beautiful house here in "the Fishing Capital of the World". At that time we had the opportunity to go fishing in Dick's custom built sport fishing vessel, a 61 footer featuring twin Mercedes diesel locomotive engines. We enjoyed some frozen drinks topped by Bacardi 151 (back in my drinking days) and rides through the mangroves in a speedy motorboat. And feeding the tarpon at Robby's, a local tradition. So we have returned, and Dick has long since passed. But memories of our times with him have helped inspire us to have a big week with our children. We left North Carolina Friday night at about 10 p.m. and drove all night. Stopped in Palm Beach on the way and viewed the astounding mansions. Had a late lunch at a rustic waterside diner. Snorkeled in the "backyard" of our condo. Watched the Heels as they made it into the championship game and everybody but me fell asleep. And got to see a patented sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Yeah, this is quite a place, a different planet which is attracting folks from all over the world. Driving down to Key West tomorrow.