Common Fishing Terms Explained

Catch and Release – A conservation motion that happens most often right before the local Fish and Game officer pulls over a boat that has caught more than it’s limit.

Hook: (1) A curved piece of metal used to catch fish. (2) A clever advertisement to entice a fisherman to spend his life savings on a new rod and reel. (3) The punch administered by said fisherman’s wife after he spends their life savings (see also Right Hook, Left Hook)

Line: Something you give your co-workers when they ask on Monday now your fishing went the past weekend.

Lure: An object that is semi-enticing to fish, but will drive an angler into such a frenzy that he will charge his credit card to the limit before exiting the tackle shop.

Reel: A weighted object that causes a rod to sink quickly when dropped overboard.

Rod: An attractively painted length of fiberglass that keeps an angler from ever getting too close to a fish.

School: A grouping in which fish are taught to avoid your $29.99 lures and hold out for spam instead.

Tackle: What your last catch did to you as you reeled him in, but just before he wrestled free and jumped back overboard.

Tackle Box: A box that is shaped alarmingly like your comprehensive first aid kit. Only a tackle box contains many sharp objects, so that when you reach in the wrong box blindly to get a Band Aid, you soon find that you need more than one.

Common Fishing Terms Explained compliments of Sailfish Magazine Spring 2007

True or False Key West Travelers

It wouldn’t be Key West if we didn’t get Quirky Questions

As Florida Keys Travel Specialists, we really do get asked every question under the sun. That’s what we’re here for. That being said, some questions are as quirky and charming as Key West. We thought we’d share some of our favorites to clear up any questions you might have and hopefully put a little grin on your face.

True, Key West is part of the United States and not a foreign country

True, Key West is part of Florida and not its own state

True, the island is surrounded by water (that’s what makes it an island)

True, the 7 mile bridge is 7 miles long…really!

True, the sun sets each and every day

False, the sun does not set more than one time a day

False, you do not have to pay to watch the sunset (there is a great sunset celebration every night though at Mallory Square)

False, you can not swim under the island

False, you can not see Cuba from Key West

False, you can not swim to Cuba from Key West (it’s 90 miles away. Years ago, Key West Mayor Sunny McCoy water skied to Cuba from Key West, now that was something)

And two more little helpful tips….

The correct pronunciation for conch is co(nk)

When ordering at a restaurant and you see “dolphin” on the menu, don’t get too teary eyed…it’s not Flipper, it is a kind of fish which is also referred as “dorado” or mahi mahi.