230 WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW TO CATCH FISH 



CHAPTER XVII. 



INDIAN KEY. 



THIRTY-SIX NAUTICAL MILES FROM MIAMI BY THE USUAL 

 OUTSIDE ROUTE. 



Upper Mattacombe Key is to the north of it and Lower Matta- 

 combe to the south. 



This is a small key of thirteen acres and stands out in the ocean 

 about one and one-fourth miles from the line of the Keys. It is his- 

 toric as the place where Doctor Perrine was killed by the Indians 

 during the Seminole War. While Alligator Lighthouse was being 

 built, about four miles out on the edge of the reef, it was used as a 

 base of supplies, and as a residence for the workmen. As there has 

 been a large cistern under the house, built by the Government, which 

 usually had a supply of rainwater, it has been a place of call for most 

 light-draft yachts and fishing boats traveling up and down the coast. 

 It is quite an attractive stopping point. I have called there many 

 times, remaining from one to four days each visit. It is uninhabited 

 at present (May, 1901). 



As a fishing resort it has no superior on the coast, especially as to 

 a great variety of highly-colored species. 



There are two channels between it and Upper Mattacombe, and 

 two between it and Lower Mattacombe, all four leading up into 

 Florida Bay, and there is good water south of it. Mangrove Snap- 

 pers, Groupers, Runners of several varieties, Yellow Tails, Angel-fish, 

 Spadefish, Porgies in variety, Porkfish, Hogfish, Parrot-fish of several 

 varieties, Grunts, etc., etc., are all caught here, as well as Bonefish, 

 Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish, the latter two outside. 

 Yellow Tails here begin to be more plentiful. 



There is very little choice in the channels, but possibly the first 

 one to the north and the Lower Mattacombe may be the best two. 

 During a cruise, in the winter of 1900, Professor Walker and myself 

 each caught thirteen varieties of fishes in a forenoon's fishing. 



To the east and south of the Key, Mangrove Snappers, Groupers, 

 as well as smaller fishes, are quite plentiful within a few hundred feet 





