We're planning a 5 day trip to the keys in August. I would like to get a guided fishing trip BUT I'm kicking around the idea of not getting a guide so that I can spend some money and get a nice fish finder for my kayak, (FeelFree Lure 13.5).
Of course if I go do the keys I absolutely HAVE to fish somewhere so I'm planning on taking my fly rod and seeing if I can hit the beach early a couple of mornings or evenings. Any one know of walk up places to fish with a fly rod down that way?

Also, suggestions on places to stay would be good too. Family of four. Me, wife, and 2 daughters, (19 and 11). I've been looking at places in Key Largo, Key West, and Marathon. All about the same price and we're open to suggestions.

Thanks!

I was in islamorada back in march, there was some access to the inlets around the bridges, some spots on the road had places to park
but very limited space to cast, I wouldn't wade anywhere, too many big f'in sharks everywhere .
best bet would be to charter a few flats boats, lots of fish to catch but mostly a big run from land, most spots we fished were 5-20 miles from islamorada, definitely worth doing a couple of charters, the fishing was great in the bay.

None that I saw when I visited in March. I had aguide for 2 days and it was awesome. Tons of variety and shots.

Headed back down to fish Miami peacocks/Key West permit/mosquito lagoon redfish on a week Florida trip in a few weeks, have a guide for 3 days in key west for it and targeting primarily permit

Google DYI bonefishing Florida Keys.
Plenty of videos and articles.

A client of mine was an airline flight instructor. He used to tell me about stay in Miami airport hotels and catching baby tarpon in canals behind them. That was many, many moons ago but would be fun if you could figure that gig out.

Tons of peacocks in those canals. Awesome pretty fish to catch

https://bahiahondapark.com/our-activities.html

Across the street (ocean side) from the gas station on Islamorada is one bonefish option.

Off the baseball fields in Marathon, ocean side, is an option (bonefish and tarpon, maybe other stuff but I've caught both of those on foot there).