Fish Company?
That’s right! The Islamorada Fish Company! If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a huge Bass Pro Shop in Islamorada, FL that has a lot of character and a TON of fishing and related stuff. We used to always stop here on our way down to Key Colony Beach when we were younger. This time, we left Cudjoe Key and drove up!
The unique part about this store is that it’s got a replica (I think!) of Ernest Hemingway’s boat in the center. It’s also got a fish tank that holds permit, bonefish, etc., tons of rods, reels, nets, and clothes. Even more, it’s got a unique bar/lounge upstairs as well as an antique glass elevator. It’s a pretty cool place and totally unexpected if you’ve never been there before.
We picked up a few things – I got a t-shirt which was a pretty good deal. Afterward we went to “The Fish Company” which is the restaurant behind the store. It’s down on the water along the marina there. We had some great food and of course Gracie had a hamburger. I had a basket of seared scallops (there were like 12 or more!) and fries which was excellent. After we ate we walked along the marina to see if there were any cool fish or birds and of course there were both!
There was a grey heron on the end of a dock which let me get pretty close with only a 24mm lens before flying away:
And then, a tarpon – wow. Not just any tarpon – but a nearly 5′ maybe 6′ monster! Unfortunately, there’s no fishing allowed in the marina – probably why this guy hangs out just teasing everyone!
Oh well – time to go back to the house and hope Mr. Tarpon follows us and lets us catch him.