Watersports in The Lower Keys

Diving (Looe Key)
Eco-Tourism
Adolphus Busch, Sr.
For the Angler

Fishing, diving snorkeling, water-skiing, sailing, boating, windsurfing. kayaking or canoeing...you choose. Our waters are amazing! Will you have time to visit our land?

Diving
One of the most popular pastimes in the Lower Florida Keys is diving. Water clarity, warmth and the moderate weather are perfect for diving. The most popular diving spot in the Lower Florida Keys is Looe Key. Actually, Looe is not a Key but rather a spur and groove reef.

Designated as a Marine Sanctuary in 1981, Looe Key was named after the H.M.S. Looe, a British frigate that sank there in 1744. Ballast stones of the H.M.S. Looe remain in the Sanctuary as eerie tombstones. Now a part of the Keys-wide Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this 5.3 nautical mile park is fully protected from spearfishing, fishing & shell collecting.

Looe Key is known as the most spectacular living reef in North America for its diverse population of corals and its colorful array of tropical fish. Because of its unique shape and varying depths, Looe Key is ideal for SCUBA & snorkeling of all skill levels.

Outside of the Sanctuary, spearfishing and lobstering (season, Aug.6-Mar. 31) are permitted with proper licenses. The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce holds their Annual Underwater Music Festival at Looe Key every July.

Besides beautiful Looe Key, the Lower Keys can also offer superb diving in the patch reefs and shallow ledges. A mini-wall of 60-100 feet is also a favorite dive spot. Lower Keys dive shops are completely equipped for all snorkeling, diving and related activities.

Dive Shops have trips to Looe Key twice daily (usually at 8:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.) and night dives. Private Charters also provide flexible times to Looe and other popular diving and snorkeling areas.
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Adolphus Busch, Sr.
Artificial Reef Dive Site
The newest attraction to the Lower Florida Keys underwater paradise is the "Adolphus Busch Sr". On December 5, 1998 the Lower Keys Artificial Reef Association sank the wreck, creating a new underwater recreational site. The 210 foot freighter sits perfectly upright in 110 feet of water. Scuba divers can explore the inside of the ship, while snorkelers can view it from the top, as the ship's towers rise to within 40 feet of the surface. Located halfway between Looe Key Reef & American Shoal, a series of floating markers serve as mooring bouys. (Lat 24.31.81N/Long 81.27.64W)
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Eco-Tourism
The most spectacular aspect of the Lower Florida Keys is the water. Most flora and fauna are best seen from this venue. Skimming through the backcountry in a shallow-draftboat, sailing, kayaking or just rowing will allow anyone to fully enjoy this breathtaking area. The Oceanside waters of the Lower Keys are also beautiful. Eco-Tourism (a low-impact way of enjoying the natural sites) is a growing and caring way for visitors to enjoy the natural paradise that is the Lower Keys.
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For the Angler
Whether you are an expert or a novice, the Lower Florida Keys have something for every angler. Anytime of the year you can find something that will take your bait. Offshore fishing also produces such species as the blue and white marlin, shark, wahoo (the fastest fish in the ocean), mackerels and most any kind of tuna imaginable. And then there is the barracuda, one of the most underrated of gamefish. It is capable of powerful runs and impressive jumps.

Other fish often found on the reef include mackerels, sharks, jacks, and cobia. Springtime in the Keys means tarpon. Migrating giants take a few months off to feed and relax in the channels under and around many of the bridges. Live bait, usually mullet or pinfish are drifted back into the current. The tarpon is one of the Lower Florida Keys attributes. Where else can an angler venture only yards from shore and do battle with up to 200 pounds of aerial, acrobatic fish?

Winter is the best time for the prized sailfish. These sleek, spindle-beaked fish are admired for their "tail-walking" runs. Sails are prized wall mounts, yet with today's taxidermy technology, releasing a sail for future fishermen is not only possible but preferred by most sportfishing enthusiasts.

The numerous flats on both the Gulf and Ocean side of the Lower Keys are a popular place to find tarpon and other shallow water fish such as bonefish and permit. Often neglected by the shallow water angler are sharks, barracuda and snapper; all can be found by fishing the right flat at the right time. The flats are also great forlight spinning and fly-fishing.

The groupers are the undisputed kings of the inshore reefs. They are caught up to 50 pounds, and often leave only disappointment and broken lines as they dive toward the protection of their reef home. While the large groupers are the kings of the reef, the snappers are surely the staple. Snapper fishing takes place all year long and is done in 60 to 100 feet of water. Be well advised to use lots of chum and light lines to attract these plentiful but wary creatures. The most common snappers include grey or mangrove, yellowtail, mutton and lane.

In general, the summer offshore belongs to the Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi). These fish are known for their beautiful blue, green and gold color and have no relation to the porpoise that most people refer to as "dolphin". Join us June 3rd, 4th & 5th for the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament. Any first time angler to the Lower Keys can, with a few pointers from the local bait and tackle shops, go out and find fish.

To truly jump right in, you should hire one of the many experienced charter guides in the Lower Keys. Charter firms offer every type of fishing vessel imaginable, from the 40-foot plus battle wagon sportfisherman to the 16-foot flats skiff designed to be in very shallow water. You may even choose to rent a boat of your own. Whatever your taste and experience level, no trip to the Lower Keys would be complete without a day on the water and a fish on your line.
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