You've been waiting for this moment all year long. You're finally headed to the Florida Keys - your vacation destination - to engage in many fun activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in the Florida Keys. There are many spots along the Keys to swim and snorkel. You really need nothing more than your swimsuit, snorkeling gear, and a place to park your vehicle at one of the numerous beaches along the Overseas Highway. Fishing in the Florida Keys, however, may involve a little more planning especially if you're a novice fishing there.

If you're fishing in the Florida Keys, there are several types of fishing to choose from. One type of fishing is backcountry fishing in the Florida Everglades. Fishing in the backcountry will require that you hire a guide who knows the area well. It would be ill-advised to venture into the backcountry on your own if you're not famliar with the small channels where you can find redfish, bonefish, and tarpon. Fishing in the backcountry can be an enjoyable adventure but not recommended for the novice. If you decide to do this type of fishing, be advised that you may encounter a problem with mosquitoes when traversing the backcountry. Make sure that you carry plenty of repellent if you want to fish in the backcountry.

A popular type of fishing in the Florida Keys is party boat fishing which is recommended for the vacationer who is a novice fisherman. Party boats venture out to the scenic coral reef and around some of the shipwrecks where you can fish for king mackerel, snapper, and yellowtail. There are party boats available for half-day and full-day excursions. Party boat owners sometimes have crew members on hand who can show you how to fish and will even rent fishing gear to you if you don't have your own.

If you would like to fish in the back country or book space on a fishing boat, check with the concierge at your hotel. They can book space on a party boat that departs at a time convenient for you and can also get you in touch with a guide for backcountry fishing.