kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
Kim Fundingsland/MDN Mark Braun, Bismarck, hoists a cubera snapper caught in the shallow flats near Key Largo, Fla. A rare catch in inshore waters, cuberas can grow to 100 pounds or more.
KEY LARGO, Fla. – The boat slowly passes through a canal lined with spacious homes, an assortment of boats of all sizes moored in front of them. Spectators mere yards away line the route, mostly great white herons and brown pelicans, but a few early rising fishermen too. The latter dangling lines from atop protective sea walls and catching fish.
Sometimes dolphins or manatee use the same passageway that connects the Atlantic Ocean side of the narrow Keys with Gulf of Mexico waters. Later, when the full warmth of famous Florida sunshine tops the palm trees, iguanas will emerge to sun themselves and flaunt their incredible and varied coloration.