Islamorada in July almost killed us -- alternatives?
 

We took a fishing trip last July to Islamorada, staying 5 days, and the weather and mosquitoes just ate us alive. Being out on the boats in the day was gorgeous (and cooler) and the fishing was amazing but being on land was murder -- we weren't prepared for how intolerable the heat was (muggy mid-90's and higher) and the A/C in our little rental didn't work great. Also, the mosquito problem was intense and we were covered in welts depite liberal use of deet and other repellents -- my friend's face swelled up badly and we almost took her to an emergency room.

I'm not willing to give up on Florida since we had great fun fishing off the piers and bridges and being out on the water was amazing when we chartered a private boat. Are there any suggestions for other locations in Florida to check out for a trip where fishing is the main activity?

If we'd like to avoid severe heat/bug problems, should we just avoid traveling there from June-Sept? thanks in advance if you have any thoughts.

(sorry, but i repeated the post because I forgot to put this in the Florida sub-forum...)

Hate to break the news to you but the keys are probably the most tolerable part of Florida in the summer. In fact, the weather will be similar May through September through the entire state.

How about staying elsewhere in the keys?

You already got the part right by staying out on the water.

I highly suggest a condo rental in Islamorada.

Believe me when I tell you this that there is NO excuse for your AC not working properly. As a southerner, we purchase our HVAC units for their ability to cool, not heat and your unit should have been cooled to arctic temp.

If the temps were only a muggy mid 90s, you had it good!!!! The closer to the water you are, the cooler it is. If there is a breeze coming off the ocean, it will help make you feel cooler and blow some of the bugs away.

Since the heat seems to have been a real problem for you, you will just have to change the time of year. I would opt for the Spring because even when there aren't any fall hurricanes nearby, the waters can be messed up so that the fish go somewhere else. Nor do charter boats risk going out when the seas are choppy.

Don't know where you are coming from, but have you ever thought of fishing in the Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard area? there are several fishing tournaments there during the summer, and MV in particular has some excellent private guides who have been there forever. Less muggy, less buggy.

Thanks for the responses. The Northeast has always been intriuging to us but we've always assumed it's out of our budget. We're based in Chicago so we can get fairly cheap airfare to Florida -- we're now thinking of a trip in March when we could catch grouper and snapper off the bridges, possibly tuna and doing charters?

We really enjoy shorefishing which is why we still find Florida so compelling -- seems to offer the best of both worlds for shore and deep water fishing. Is March high season for Florida or will we still find reasonable condo rentals during that time? Our budget is around $120/night for a 2 br -- which was very easy to find in July but those were low-season rates. We like to save most of our money for all-day charters and sacrifice on the accomodations for these trips. Although I'd like to avoid the gross lodges/motels that seem to be geared towards male anglers -- condos are great since they allow us to cook our catch.

Please remember that summer, in Florida, is the "off season" while winter is "high season". Many of our tourists mistakenly come to Florida for their summer vacation and discover that is not like it is "up north".

The absolutely best weather for beach and aquatic activities is probably during the months of October and April. The sky is blue, the humidity lower and the temperatures moderate. Don't try to be very active during the summer, it takes a lot of effort! (Even the gators know this).

Cape Cod in the summer is awesome! Consider it for your summer fishing trip.

I snorkeled in the Keys in March. I'd choose March-April. I checked my favorite place for fishing trips in the Keys - and their prices have sky-rocketed. I guess the secret is out.

starsville -- thanks for the tip! I just looked at some websites and I'm so excited. I love striper fishing and the charters are very reasonably priced.

Do you have any suggestions for areas to consider for affordable vacation rentals? (I'm looking at Hyannis and Denis so far on vrbo) We can't afford high-end accomodations, but we'd love to find a small, charming 1 or 2 bd cottage where we could cook/grill our catch. We would also love to stay in an area where we would be close to a swimming beach where the water isn't stagnant. I see that the high season begins in July -- I'd like to leave as soon as possible for a 4 day trip.

Also, we're considering flying into Boston or Providence and renting a car to save money on airfare. Are there any issues/problems with this plan that I need to be aware of? I've posted this in the MA sub-forum but hoped you'd share more of your experience with Cape Cod.

Cape Cod in the summer is just wonderful! It is the opposite of everything you complained about in your opening post. This GA girl just loves the lower humidity, more pleasant temps (usually) and the wonderful seafood. It is such a pleasure to lay out on a beach and be warm - but not drenched in sweat. :-)

I've not gone for fishing trips, but I'm sure others can help with ideas - or continue to google for ideas.

I've flown both into Boston and Providence. For me, it's 6 of one and half dozen of the other. Well, I may like Providence a bit more - less traffic.

The main thing I would warn you about is the possibility of horrible traffic coming onto the cape on Friday afternoons/ Saturday mornings or at the beginnning of holiday weekends. I plan to arrive on another day - and have not experienced problems. I stayed in Plymouth upon arrival one year and drove into P'town ON the Fourth of July. Virtually no traffic problems - AND the most interesting 4th of July parade you can imagine! :-)

The driving distances are so reasonable that you can easily get from most towns or villages to another in short time - unless you go all the way to Truro or Provincetown.

I've rented condos and have stayed in inns. It sounds like vrbo may be the best route to go - since you want to cook. I'd just choose a good place mid-cape and then drive to fish or enjoy the beach.

The Keys are great in March/April and the fall, but very hot and muggy in the middle of the summer.

I'd research Cape Cod info on this board and/or start a new post about fishing on the Cape.

Have a blast! I DO love the Cape in the summer!

This is cruel, but check this one out...http://www.vrbo.com/39896

Cruel, because they are booked for this year - but what a find! Happy shopping for a place to stay :-)

Okay, fishee. I think I've found the perfect place for you.

http://www.seasidecapecod.com/cotttage21.htm

Found the collection of cottages under "other lodging" on tripadvisor. The place sounds perfect. Grills outside - kitchen inside. Cottage 21 had two beds - AND is $109 in early June (before season). It's a studio with 2 beds, kitchen, etc. The 2 bedrooms are a lot more. Most of the vrbo's seem to be weekly rentals only in the summer.

If this works, you owe me a postcard! :-)

Less expensive, but sounds great -
www.pinegrovecottages.com

Articles about cottage options -
http://www.capecodtravelguide.com/ca...ge-rentals.php

http://www.insidecapecod.com/main-bnb5.htm

I've started contacting these places, thanks so much! I'll keep you posted so you know when to expect a little souvenir in the mail...