The Tarpon are Always Here

Yes, there are still plenty of Tarpon around. You really should go fishing. Most are smaller but who would complain about hooking-up 5 or so thirty-pounders on light tackle at sunset? So much fun.

Don't miss dining pleasures

There's a few places you need eat at to get the complete Islamorada experience.

First, you really haven't lived the Islamorada lifestyle unless you have experienced Manny and Isa's Key Lime Pie. Here's the classic Keys lunch: go to Manny and Isa's, order a Cuban sandwich, a pitcher of iced tea, and the Key Lime Pie for dessert. Yum.

Next, go to the Islamorada Fish Company. Enjoy bay-front dining, fish in a basket style (best for lunch). When you are finished eating (or waiting for your table) stroll through the Worldwide Sportsman. Lots of great t-shirts, gifts, clothes, and fishing equipment-a-plenty.

Wanna go to a real Keys-style restaurant? Don't miss the Island Grill. I like this place for dinner. All the choices on the menu are pretty good and the atmosphere is classic Keys all the way. The food is excellent.

If you want something more elegant, go to Pierre's. Ask for a table on the balcony and time your reservation for the sunset. You will be overlooking Florida Bay. This is the sister restaurant to Morada Bay which is a little less formal (nothing is actually formal in the Keys... shorts and t-shirt is acceptable in any restaurant).

According to Jim

Hi my name is Jim and I own and operate a little hotel in Islamorada called Pines & Palms Resort. 

Over the years we've heard all the questions and tried our best to answer with quality information to help people have a pleasant stay when visiting our little islands.

There is so much to do especially if you like fishing, diving, boating, and eating (we have lots of great restaurants here). It's difficult though, when you only have a few days or a few weeks, to know where to go, what to do, and who to contact. I can help you with all of that.

It's the off season now, so there's not too many people visiting but the fish are still biting and there's plenty of fun to be had. We've finally moved off the extreme heat and humidity of the summer. Water temps are cooling and fresh schools of bait are arriving daily with lots of game fish following. If you plan to visit, it's supposed to be a bit windy this week so don't plan on much diving.

I'm more of a backcountry and reef fisherman but I keep up with the local off-shore scene too. I'm also a certified diver, birdwatcher, naturalist, and boater with over 40 years on the water.

Let me know if you are coming for a visit and I'll try to help with your plans.