The Content Keys

The Content Keys are an absolute boating and fishing paradise. Located about 10 miles northwest of Big Pine Key is where you’ll find this tropical oasis.

THE LOCATION

The Content Keys are a pair of islands that mark the entrance to Content Passage in the Lower Florida Keys. They are unspoiled, tropical islands with patches of white, sandy beaches and sandbars and the water that flows through them is crystal-clear.

NAVIGATION

Navigating to this island oasis is a little nerve-racking at first. Primarily, because the entire 10-mile stretch is unmarked, shallow and vast. This trip to the islands was my first and after experiencing it, I feel much more comfortable doing it again. The depth was primarily 2-3 feet most of the way and that was during low tide. Once I hit the deeper channel about 20 minutes into the ride it was over 10 feet deep all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Entering the Key, the depth ranged from 1.5-4 feet. Wearing polarized sunglasses is a must!

WHY YOU WEAR POLARIZED SUNGLASSES AND OTHER BOATING TIPS

ACTIVITIES

This is the ideal location to spend the day relaxing with family and friends on the sandbar. It’s also an amazing spot to fish the flats and channels and scout for Lobster.

BE SELF-SUFFICIENT

When I say you feel isolated, I mean it. I only saw 10 other boats the entire day I visited! As a result, you must make sure you have plenty of gas, water and food and your navigation and communications equipment works properly.

TYPES OF BOATS

In my opinion, the best boats to make this trip would be skiffs, bay boats and small center consoles under 25 feet (single engine). I used my Hewes Redfisher 18 and bumped bottom a few times (but I “push-it” when I explore). Always go slow if you are unsure of the depth!

ANOTHER AMAZING PLACE TO TAKE YOUR BOAT

FUEL & FOOD

I found out that the Lower Keys don’t have a lot of on-the-water fuel choices. The most convenient one I found was Captain Hooks on Big Pine Key. The Shell station on Big Pine also carries rec fuel but it’s land-locked.

LODGING

I stayed at Parmer’s Resort on Little Torch Key. It was a great place in a great location. The room was clean and nice, the property had a refreshing, “Old Florida” feel and the boat dockage and ramp were nice. Again, the marina and ramp are ideal for single-engine boats under 25′. Trailer parking was on-site as well. Easy peasy, my kind of place!

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