The Marquesas

The Marquesas are full of local history from treasure hunters, smuggling and of course legendary fishing tales. Opportunities still abound for the elusive Keys slam; bonefish, tarpon and permit. This unspoiled ecosystem offers an "edge of the world" mystique while fly fishing for these exciting saltwater gamefish.

Providing an unspoiled setting to capture your fly fishing dreams, the Marquesas are regulated by the NPS and Coast Guard, the islands are uninhabited and it is illegal to camp or trespass on the islands.

The Marquesas, located west of west of Key West is a beauitiful destination and offers great fishing opportunities for permit and tarpon.

The Marquesas are primarily known as a permit fishing destination and there is no better place in the USA to pursue permit on fly. Permit of all sizes frequent the shallow water of Mooney Harbor to the deeper edges of the outside flats. Permit are in and around the Marquesas year round but spring and fall are best; specifically August, Sept., Oct. and Jan., Feb., March.

A close second, migratory tarpon start showing up as early as late March and will remain through July - this will vary from year to year however but the peak time of the tarpon migration is May and June. There are also year round resident tarpon in the Marquesas – ranging from small to medium sized fish.

Not know for great bonefishing, the Marquesas provide what I would call “better than average” bonefishing. The bonefish are there and don't necessarily receive much fishing pressure because of the attention that most guides and anglers give to the outstanding permit and tarpon fishing. There are better bonefishing destinations throughout the Keys but you will have a very good opportunity to complete a slam in the Marquesas.

The Marquesas can easily be accessed in a day trip from Key West - weather permitting; most of the 25 mile ride is in shallow water and protected, but the problem on windy days can be the run across Boca Grande Channel; 7 or so miles wide, 20 - 30 feet deep with lots of current thus making the crossing on days with winds above 15 knots marginal and days with winds above 20 knots not desirable by flats skiff. There are many other productive fishing areas west of Key West that can be accessed on windy days as an alternative to a potentially dangerous run to the Marquesas. The best way to experience the Marquesas however is by mothership; nothing can come close to being “on site” in this beautiful destination allowing you to fish at all times of the day and into the evening without the 2 hour travel time to and from.