Hello Everyone,
I just got back to the Keys last week from 3 months in Montana. I thought I would write a quick note about what's going on here.
Everyone knows we got hit by a hurricane (Irma) in September. There is still a lot of cleanup going on but most businesses are up and running in Islamorada, Tavernier and Key Largo. The oceanside of the Keys got hit the hardest. Most of the Resorts on the oceanside are closed and will remain closed for another 4 months to a year. Much of the work is being done by outside agencies. Many are commuting from the mainland back and forth and many are staying in the Keys...renting whatever is available.
My boat was damaged and is still in the repair shop. It is supposed to be finished by next week. I'm having a high quality fiberglass repair shop working on it (Glasser Boat Works). When the boat is done it will be a custom boat...better then new! I'm looking forward to getting it back......in the meantime I am borrowing a boat to fish some of my regular clients on Thurday and Friday. So, I will be sure to get a fishing report out to you next week. My circle of guide friends are telling me the fishing is PRETTY GOOD!
If you are planning a trip down here within the next Year....I would suggest making plans and room reservations as far in advance as possible. Most of the Major Hotels are closed, some for up to a year. Once Season starts (February through June and the Christmas Holidays) it may be difficult to find a place to rent. Here are some of the major Hotels that are closed....Cheeca Lodge, PostCard Inn, Amara Cay Resort, Pelican Cove, Chesapeak Resort and many more. There are many smaller Hotels and Motels open and most Hotels/Motels on the Bayside are open. But with the number of people who normally visit the Keys in our "season" there will be limited rentals.
I believe the fishing will be excellent this year. There is/and will be much less fishing pressure and usually after a storm the snook and redfish populations explode. I'll keep you posted.
Make your room reservations early this year!
Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone: (305) 393-1641
Email: stevemurray126@att.net
Web Page: www.tarponheadquarters.com
