Griz - fishing the Florida Keys is nothing like you have ever experienced before.
it really comes down to how much time you will have there to explore and find
an area for your Skiff to operate in safely. The best fishing is 3-15 miles offshore for dolphin (mahi-mahi).
inshore you can find some awesome snapper, tripple tail, sea bass, grouper, etc.
around the mangroves, bridges and other structure.
Beware of the Shallows !!
Florida frowns upon boats that run aground as it destroys the very fragile coral and grass beds.
Most of the channels are well marked - learn the Rules of the Road and nautical navigation.
best bet is to check with the local bait shops in the area and see what's biting and where.
https://www.budnmarysblog.com/fishing-reportss
if you are a history buff, you can drive down to the World Wide Sportsman store in Islamorada
and tour Earnest Hemmingway's boat, "Pilar" as well as see just about everything saltwater
fish and tackle there is to offer - magnificent place to spend a couple of hours !
https://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&appID=94&tab=3&storeID=21
scroll down to the bottom of the page - "Store Gallery" for photos.
you can pick up free fishing newspapers such as
Coastal Angler at any store.
https://coastalanglermag.com/florida-keys/
if you PM me your mailing address, I can "loan" you my charts for the Upper Keys
that notes the Tavernier channels, markers, boat ramps, etc.
Sunscreen SPF-50 should be applied every two hours. Mosquito spray every 5 minutes LOL.
gun fired red flares and hand-held orange smoke bombs are
strongly recommended in your "survival box".
looking forward to a trip report when you get back !!
Enjoy the Keys !!!
oh, as for the Peacock Bass - they are strictly a fresh water species.
you will have to go inland to the creeks, canals and protected waterways for them.
View attachment Peacock Bass Brochure.pdf
.