Key Largo tips, please?

mjrudd1

I'll be staying at Key Largo Kampground for 3-4 nights, starting Dec 23rd. Best I can tell, I'll have to trailer my kayak each night, so I can launch anywhere within a reasonable drive or at the campground. I have a PA12, gas and electric motors, outrigger. So, I have long range and no worries about tipping. Those things in mind, for what and where are my best fishing options? I've fished middle keys a few times (tarpon,permit, sharks, etc) but not this area.Preferably big fish as opposed to more smaller ones. Thanks. 

cranker789

I’ve got a similar set up and fished key largo for the first time a couple weeks ago. Went out to about 65 ft to yellowtail. No tails showed up but there were a lot of big fish on bottom. Caught live ballyhoo and put them on bottom to get mutton. It’s just a long way out for us in the kayak, takes over an hour on a nice day. Not sure about near shore options as I’m new to fishing down there but there’s probably some action to be had in the mangroves. 

John McKroid

Big fish are often lazy.  Soaking a big chunk of mullet on the bottom is a proven method with chum.  I have taken Tarpon trolling around bridges up in Ft. Lauderdale at night both on shrimp and live mullets.  The bridge anglers taking Permits soaking live crabs.   Good luck, and post a report afterward.