Question-What is the best time of year for a Grand Slam?

A fan writes in with the following question:

"I’ve never been to the keys and am planning my first trip in March. I'm a huge fan of shallow water sight fishing and was wondering which part of the keys was my best bet in early March for possibly a slam. What recommendations and advice do you have?"

Answer:

March is an excellent month for fishing the Keys.  The entire 150 mile chain of the Florida Keys offers the possibility for a Slam just about any month of the year if you are with the right guide.  This being said, the fish can vary drastically in size from one season to another.  March will give you the opportunity at very large tarpon, big bones and big permit.  I believe that March is one of the best months of the year to target a Slam with really nice fish of each specie.

If you are not as concerned with the size of the fish, my next favorite time would be the fall.  The tarpon might be smaller, but opportunities are good for all 3 species.

I really like the waters of the Lower Keys the best, but that is where I have spent the most time.  Rich likes the middle to Upper Keys better because that is where he has spent the most time.  Both are good and recommended.  The best thing about the Keys is that there are areas where you can stay and be close to both areas.  Staying in the Marathon area or at Hawks Cay Resort puts you right in the middle of the Florida Keys.  You can fish the Lower Keys one day and Islamorada the next.

A slam does not really come easy for anyone, but they are definitely possible and coming in March will certainly increase your chances of catching the Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get all three.  Send us some pictures if you do.

See you on the water,

Tom Rowland

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