That pic of you making through a channel with the lush mangroves brings me back some 30 years, the first time we went to the keys. we had to wind our way around through some thick mangrove lined channel to get out of the neighborhood we rented in. I remember all the birds in all the trees. Last time I went with my son, 2019, I commented to our Guide about the lack of birds compared to when we first started going to the keys. It is not the same as it was years ago. Another thing I noticed was back in then I remember seeing one area that had been hit hard by a hurricane. Last time there were a few places still being repaired and places abandoned from the different past storms. Wide World Sportsman is cool but back in the day when it was on the other side of route 1 it was cool. Think of all the names who had graced that place. Many legends walked around that original store.
Also DO NOT MISS FEEDING THE TARPON AT ROBBIES!! while your there EAT. Have a fish sandwich and a beer the place is great. Yes its a tourist trap but it is cool. Key west plan on strolling Duval street one end to the other. Go there later in there afternoon in the evening, fun time.
Dinner, if you want to go some place nice a little pricier I highly recommend Marker 88. Do you like good coffee, cuban coffee, hit the bakery in the middle of the highway somewhere just west of key largo. the best coffee in the keys we think, High test petro.
One last thing do not forget to pick up corn flakes to crush up for coating your yellowtail fillets before frying, the best way to do them up.
Next time my son and I are going with you, heck I wish I could load up and leave today
Safe travels, tight lines, enjoy