Hurricane Ike Update

Well we sure dodged a bullet.  Hurricane Ike passed through the Florida Keys as a Tropical Storm.  I was out on the water today and took some photos of Little Palm Island and a local neighborhood that show we faired well.

 

There was a mandatory evacuation of our Tourists on Friday, September 5th and of residents on Saturday September 6th.  Some guests in the Keys wonder why we do this……well we’ll tell ya.

On Friday, the track of Ike showed the possibility of the center of the storm over the 7 mile bridge as a category 4 storm possibly hitting as soon as Sunday.  That would have been devastating.  Not only do we want to ensure the safety of our visitors, let’s be honest, we need you off the road when we need to get out! 

In all seriousness, the Florida Keys and Key West have been dealing with Hurricanes for many years.  Our Tourist Development Counsil is one of the best and has put together a great plan to keep everyone safe and informed.  You can find answers to frequently asked questions and more information here.

Again, we feel lucky that the storm stayed to the West of us and our thoughts and prayers are with those in Texas and the surrounding states that had a more devastating hit.

SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS

TIPS IF YOU ARE FLYING

CHECK THE AIRLINES BAGGAGE RULES
Some airlines are compensating for the high fuel prices by charging for oversized bags.  Check your airlines restrictions and measure your bag before your go.  Most require a linear measurement which is length + width + height.

WEIGH YOUR BAG BEFORE YOU GO
Airlines are also offsetting high fuel costs by charging very high prices for overweight bags.  Check your airlines website for weight restrictions before you pack.

BRING A JACKET
Many pilots overcompensate for the heat in the summer by cranking up the air.  It may be 90 outside but feel like the arctic on the plane.

TIPS IF YOU ARE DRIVING

CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
According to statistics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Information Administration, the Possible savings of avoiding under inflated tires is between $100.00 to $200.00 per year depending upon how much you drive and how under inflated your tires may be.

IF YOU’RE DRIVING WITH CHILDREN CHECK OUT PLACES TO STOP ALONG THE WAY
Long trips can be especially tough for children.  Taking breaks along the way can help.  Check out our Fl Keys driving guide for places to stop along the way.

KEEP A STEADY PACE
Sticking to the speed limit is not only safe but generally more fuel efficient.  Set your cruise control.  Slowing and speeding up takes more fuel that driving at a steady pace.

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE
Guess what, you have no choice.  The route to the Keys is the scenic route.  Take your time – stop and smell the sea air.  Take some photos and have some fun!

Spring Fishing Tips

Looking to target Sailfish?There’s plenty around right now. The best way to catch them for release is by fishing off the drop of the reef. It is best from 80 to 200 feet using live ballyhoo, threadfin herring, blue runners, and goggle eyes.

If you prefer to get something for the table:

The dolophin are just beginning to show up. The best way to target the dolphin is to troll naked ballyhoo or ballyhoo combos anywhere from 200 to 600 feet. Look for the frigate birds or any kind of weedline or debris.

Dinner Fish On Style

Now our favorite dinner as you can imagine is one that includes fresh fish caught in the Waters off of Key West. Many eateries will cook your fresh catch and some of our favorites for this are A&B Lobster House, Turtle Kraals, & Half Shell Raw Bar. Your captain might have a favorite too, make sure to ask him or her what their favorites restaurants are for cook your catch!

As we noted earlier, we are again bringing up Blue Heaven restaurant as a favorite eatery. Not only is it great for breakfast, but dinner is a favorite too. They have several fresh fish dishes that will make your mouth water but our all time favorite is the Caribbean Shrimp. On the weekends they also have live music that is performed on a stage that is nestled high up in a banyan tree over the bar. Now there’s a twist on a tree house!

Another favorite is the Rooftop cafe which is nestled above the treetops on front street across from Mallory Square. The tuna is of a special grade called Hawaiian tuna and will truly melt in your mouth. The crab and shrimp cake might be one of the best we’ve ever tried as well.

A few blocks over on Duval street is a charming restaurant called Bagatelle where you can sit on one of the wrap around balconies and dine while watching the commotion of Duval Street. Try the pecan crusted Dolphin or the cracked conch steak.

We hope you try out some of our favorites and if you’re here right now for New Years, don’t miss out on one of our three “drops” for New Years Eve. We’ve got the Pirate Wench drop at Schooner Wharf Bar, the Conch Shell drop at Sloppy Joes, and the infamous Red Shoe Drop from the Bourbon Street pub! Key West truly has something for everyone!

Happy New Years!

Lunch and Happy Hour Fish On Style

Well the journey continues on in the Southernmost city of Key West, and as promised, we’ll talk about our favorite lunch and happy hour spots. One of our favorites is Camille’s which is on Simonton street in the 800 block. It’s just a little bit off the beaten path but a great local favorite. By the way, Duval and Simonton run parallel to one another and the Gulf of Mexico starts the 100 block. That being said, Camille’s being in the 800 block would mean it’s 8 blocks from the Gulf. Anyway, the chicken salad sandwich is a Fish On favorite and Camille’s always have the best and most original homemade soup of the day.
Move on down to the Gulf and you have many choices for lunch in Key West right on the water. Alonzo’s oyster bar is another favorite. Try the open faced dolphin BLT with sun dried tomato pesto and homemade chips. Just a few steps around the Key West Bight and also on the water is Turtle Kraals where you can get great peel and eat shrimp or mangoe crab cakes amongst other tasty treats. They also have a tower bar that has a wonderful view of the Bight and is only opened during happy hour. We recommend one of the beers on special along with the spicy jalapeno poppers.
If you go for an early lunch at either Alonzo’s or Turtle Kraals, we suggest jumping on a nearby catamaran and going for an afternoon snorkel trip. It’s the perfect way to relax after a meal in Key West.
Catamarans are also great for happy hour. There are several catamarans and tall sailing ships that provide happy hour on the water with a great view of the sunset. Combining happy hour with a sunset sail is a great way to get the most for your money, something we at Fish On always encourage.
If you are really up for an adventure, take a taxi over to Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island. It’s the first island just east of Key West and it won’t take you more than five to seven minutes to get there from any where in Key West. It is a real locals favorite for happy hour. Oh, I might mention that you should be a pet lover as everyone brings their dogs to happy hour at Hurricane Hole too. Drinks are two for one and if you have a sense of humor, take a minute to read the Hurricane hole drinking rules posted on the piling.

Now, here’s where the adventure comes in (and we can make arrangements for you for any of these adventures on the water so no need to get out your pen). Just finish your drink, grab your camera, and head on over to one of the local boats for a full speed ride across the Gulf. They’ll take their time in a few spots to let you take photos and have a chance to spot a stingray or barracuda, but then hold on, these boats cruise up to 55 miles per hour!

Stay tuned, we’ll finish the Fish On Style posts next time with our favorite places for dinner!

Breakfast in Key West Fish On Style

Thanks for tuning back in to The Florida Keys Fish On Style. In this post we will share a few of our favorite restaurants for breakfast and favorite dishes served there.

One of our favorites is a hidden little gem called Blue Heaven. If you weren’t looking for it you probably would walk right by without even knowing that nestled back in the banyan trees is one of the best eateries in town. Feast on banana pancakes with walnut syrup or fresh seafood omelets at a hand painted picnic table and enjoy true Key West ambiance. Even though Blue Heaven is a wonderful place for Breakfast, we will have to mention that the Caribbean Shrimp on the dinner menu is probably the best shrimp we’ve ever tasted.

Another breakfast favorite with true Key West flair is Pepes Cafe. After a night with a few too many cocktails on Duval Street, this is the perfect spot to cure what ails you. At breakfast time they serve everything from traditional breakfast and build your own omelets, to pancakes to creamed chipped beef. They use real butter, jumbo eggs, and Hormel bacon. To add to our list of really yummy big breakfasts that won’t break the bank, make sure to stop by Two Friends Patio Restaurant. You can have a morning meal for as little as $4.00 or spend just a few dollars more and get a huge omelet filled with fresh seafood. Be sure to wash it down with an Absolute Peppar Bloody Mary, another cure for too long a night on Duval Street.

If a bistro setting is more your style, try out Croissants de France. It is considered one of the best Bakery, Pastry and Chocolaterie of the lower Keys. Their crepes and gallettes are some of the best and most unique in the world in our optinion.Where else would you find a crepe filled with Green Salad, Goat Cheese, Nuts, Raisins, Hearts of Palm, or another favorite with big chunks of fresh Mahi Mahi in our special Seafood Béchamel. Yum!

Stay tuned, next week we’ll cover lunch and happy hour!

Key West Fish On Style

Ok, you’re almost to Key West. Just follow US1 until you have to make a choice to go right or left. Which way you go depends on where you are going and what you want to do. Once again, there is so much information we want to share, we won’t get to it all in this post.

This post will focus on what you might want to do out on the water in Key West. We’ll talk to you more about what attractions to visit and our favorite eateries soon.

So, what are our favorite things to do on the water? So many choices and so much to do. Our first suggestion is to experience smooth sailing aboard one of the islands sailing charters and indulge in the Wind and Wine Tour. The evening includes wine tasting on the water at sunset featuring upscale wines, beers, and hors d’oeuvres.

Another must see is the Dry Tortugas National Park. Located almost 70 miles west of Key West are the seven islands and surrounding waters of the Dry Tortugas National Park. The snorkeling here is some of the best in the world. You might even encounter sea turtles, dolphin, and flying fish along the way.

If you are looking for something more adventurous, we can recommend something for you. Our day for the wild includes parasailing, waverunners, water trampoline, and banana rides. There is something for everyone.

Please don’t forget what our island in Paradise is famous for. Fishing – Fishing – Fishing. Whether you want to fish the deep blue waters offshore, fly fish the flats, bottom fish the reef, or fish light tackle in the backcountry, Key West is the place for you.

Can’t decide? Contact one of our experts now. We’re glad to help!

Fish On Bucks

For those of you who have been taking advantage of our Fish On Travel Agents to reserve your Key West Vacations, we have news for you.

Fish On Travel Now offers Fish On Bucks!

Reserve your hotel in Key West with a Fish On Travel Agent and earn 5% back to shop for your trip. There is no limit! For every $100 spent on travel, you earn $5 to shop.