One of the Keys’ oldest fishing clubs is pulsing with renewed life.
Driven by the efforts of club president Dave Matney, the historic Long Key Fishing Club, now reborn as the Outdoor Resorts Long Key Fishing Club, has once again been resurrected from the echoes of Henry Flagler’s 1908 Long Key Fish Camp.
“There were many hurricanes that had significant impacts on Long Key throughout the past 100 years,” said Matney. “The 1935 hurricane was one of the worst, which destroyed most of Long Key and also caused the end of the club. The club was eventually resurrected again, but it was almost 30 years later.”
Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway Company once lured tourists to this “Garden of Eden,” boasting some of the best fishing in the world. The saltwater anglers’ mecca drew distinguished guests like Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, William Hearst and celebrated author Zane Grey, according to historical records from the club.
It was Grey, a sailfishing pioneer and the club’s first president in 1917, who truly cemented its fame and legacy. Tragically, the devastating Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 obliterated both the fishing camp and club, mirroring the destruction of the Overseas Railroad. The railroad’s demise paved the way for the construction of the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), which now traverses Long Key.
“Mary and Del Layton reactivated the fishing club in 1969,” said Matney. “They started with a fishing camp, then later opened up cabins and a restaurant. This is where the town of Layton comes from. Unfortunately in the late ’80s, the club once again ended due to Mr. Layton’s passing.”
This time, the closure was short-lived, as the club restarted in 1989 based out of Outdoor Resorts on Long Key and remained active until the COVID-19 pandemic closed it again. It remained closed for three seasons until Matney resurrected it in 2024, he said.
Last season the club had 132 members, four fishing tournaments, several fishing classes at the club’s “Fishing University,” and a gyotaku (fish printing) class attracting students of all ages. One of the members of the previous club, Jack Hobbs, is an expert in fish identification and fishing rules and gives newer members advice and instruction.
“My spouse and I were members of the old club for 10 years,” said Hobbs. “There is such great camaraderie once you join. … We got to know a lot of different people from all over the U.S. and Canada. The club is very much alive today and we encourage people of all ages and skill levels to join, even if you don’t have a boat.”
The club exists to foster fun and fellowship through fishing, educating novices while honing the skills of experienced anglers. The club champions environmental responsibility by advocating against overfishing and promoting sustainable practices. Members are encouraged to use lighter tackle and practice catch and release whenever possible, especially after securing a reasonable amount for consumption. Ultimately, the club’s core mission is to promote safe and enjoyable fishing experiences with a spirit of camaraderie.
“As an avid reader of Florida Keys history, I have dreamed of becoming the president of the Long Key Fishing Club,” said Matney. “I’ve had people at our resort stop me on the street and tell me that they would love to join, but they didn’t know how to fish. So I decided to start a school here at the resort to remedy that concern. I bet Zane Grey is smiling that the fishing club that he started back in 1917 is very much alive and doing very well indeed.”
For more information on the club’s activities, from fish fries to classes, tournaments and artwork, contact Matney at 812-345-1248 or dsmatney@bluemarble.net.
