CHANNEL FISHING

In Islamorada we have numerous channels that connect the bay and ocean. Channels include Tavernier Creek, Snake Creek, Whale Harbor, Teatable Relief Channel, Teatable Key Channel, Indian Key Channel, Lignumvitae Key Channel, Channel Two, and Channel Five. Many fish spend their juvenile years growing up in Florida Bay where it is easy for them to find food. Florida Bay is where the Tortugas pink shrimp grows up. Upon reaching maturity the shrimp and many of the fish move to the reef and beyond.

The backcountry also has numerous channels between very shallow mud flats. At low tide, while cruising thru these deeper channels, you may see the dorsal fin of nurse sharks, dolphin, or bonnethead sharks slicing thru the surface as they chase prey in the shallows. You might also see the tails or bonefish who root around in the mud stirring up tiny shrimp, crab, or worms. The channels are about 10 foot deep and on a clear sunny day are green in color. The mud flats are brown. These channels serve as a highway for grouper, snapper, jacks, permit, sharks, stingrays, tarpon

Channel fishing can be done in almost any weather, tide or wind because the surrounding shallow waters break down the waves and the surrounding islands break down the wind.