Tavernier, FL

[sftull]

We are headed down to the keys over Memorial day week and taking the boat with us. From what I have researched, it looks like all of the major reef/wrecks are about 3mi off the coast. With it being so close, I plan on doing ALOT of fishing. 99% of my offshore fishing has been bottom fishing, so what will I need for trolling for dolphin, sails, etc? I plan on hiring a guide out of B&M's one day to go with us (assuming they will do that) but I want to make sure I have the correct gear for the job.

I have the rods/reels covered, I'm mainly looking for what to pull, how many lines out, etc.

Any other info you can give about that area would be really appreciated.

Thanks
Trey

[BOGSTER]

If you don't have outriggers, and a decent buddy that knows trolling, I would pull 4 lines.
In other words, if it's you and the family, and you are driving the boat and having to rig baits, clear lines, and deal with fish.... I wouldn't want to be you.

Pull all sea witches right close together. Simple and they always catch fish.

[sftull]

If you don't have outriggers, and a decent buddy that knows trolling, I would pull 4 lines.
In other words, if it's you and the family, and you are driving the boat and having to rig baits, clear lines, and deal with fish.... I wouldn't want to be you.

Pull all sea witches right close together. Simple and they always catch fish.

Thanks. It will be me and my step dad out there, so I'll put him to driving and I'll man the lines. No outriggers yet but I'll have some made by then.

[Goin Coastal]

They don't "pull" much down there. Mostly live baiting. You can catch your on Ballyhoo at the Channel 2 or Channel 5 bridges. Possibly some of the others too. Put out a chum bag and they will congregate behind the boat. Or jig up some greenbacks. Get a pinfish trap or use brim rigs on the Florida Bay flats with shrimp pieces for pinfish. Grouper love pinfish.

[BOGSTER]

The man asked about trolling for dolphin and sails, not about jigging greenies and pinfish for grouper.

[Goin Coastal]

And that's why I said catch your own Ballyhoo. Dolphin, tuna, sails, and kings will all crush a live greenie slow trolled around the reef ledge before they even look at a sea witch down there. But I forgot, you are the expert.

[PalmettoTrooper]

Look up Bill Robinson on face book. Local guide thats been in the keys for 30 years. Most guides are reluctant to take u out in your boat and the handful i asked while down there siad no way. There happy to take there gear and charge but didnt want no part of mine. Capt Bill went out with me several times and put us on fish. 150.00 for a few hours was well worth it for me

[sftull]

Look up Bill Robinson on face book. Local guide thats been in the keys for 30 years. Most guides are reluctant to take u out in your boat and the handful i asked while down there siad no way. There happy to take there gear and charge but didnt want no part of mine. Capt Bill went out with me several times and put us on fish. 150.00 for a few hours was well worth it for me

Thanks PT. I'm still saving for a hardtop. once i get the funds together, I'll be giving you a call.