If the tarpon is the King of the flats, the permit has to be the Prince. This silver sided, yellow bellied member of the jack family is definitely royalty to those who have ever presented a fly or cast a crab at the powerful denizen. There is a special mystique surrounding permit. Whether it’s on a deep water wreck off the southwest coast, a shallow flat in the Keys, or along the pristine Treasure Coast beaches, the catch of a hefty permit is surely one of the most prized accomplishments an angler can achieve.

The Dry Tortugas is one of the least known areas of Florida. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this small collection of islands located almost 70 miles west of Key West is composed of coral reefs and sand. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, this cluster of seven islands makes up the Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legendary tales of pirates and sunken treasures.

As avid anglers we all dream of catching that one trophy fish of a lifetime. Undoubtedly there are a select few who can relate to this experience but most of us still dream of experiencing that signature adrenaline high that can only come from such an accomplishment. Whether it;s a 200 lb. tarpon or a grander blue marlin, reaching the pinnacle of our sport is an awe-inspiring event.

Few fishermen leave the dock without having aboard every possible rod combination they can carry. After all, you have to be prepared for any situation. You need a plug rod for accurate casts into tight areas, another for long distance ballistic shots along the shorelines, specific spinning rods for throwing jigs on the flats and casting live baits and since you purchased those fly-rod outfits, you better bring them along just in case. I guess your fishing partner is just going to have to carry his arsenal in his lap.

If you’re that special breed of fisherman that considers powerful tuna to be the most adversary of opponents, then the summer season is what you’ve been waiting for.

Only 80 or so miles from the Palm Beaches, the Freeport/Port Lucaya area on the southern side of Grand Bahama Island offers explosive world class tuna action. Throughout the summer months hordes of hungry yellowfin swarm the clear blue Caribbean waters of The Providence Channel and with a little preparation, south Florida anglers can get in on the action.

More and more inshore anglers are learning to appreciate one of the most powerful and ferocious shallow water predators on the face of the earth THE BARRACUDA! Anglers usually pursue inshore barracuda strictly as a default species. This needs to change. South Florida offers a vibrant and viable barracuda fishery that stands on its own. Fish ranging from four to forty pounds stand ready to do battle and will test your tackle to its absolute limits.