Long Key gained national prominence through its championing by author Zane Grey, who was a regular resident. Someone can check this, but I believe that Grey was America's first millionaire writer. Grey was a dentist who turned cowboy and became a prolific writer. During the winter of 1911, Grey vacationed at Long Key while writing his novel 'The Light of the Western Stars.' King fishing was the popular sport fishing in those times and the sailfish was considered a nuisance as it would steal the bait used for kingfish. In fact, the sailfish was dubbed 'boohoo.'
Zane Grey, along with a local fishing guide named Bill Partrea, would spend their days fishing. It is not known why Grey took to boohoo fishing, but he did, and on light tackle. Year after year, Grey, and his brother R. C, returned to Long Key. With the support of other fishermen, sail fishing became the sport of sports for Florida Keys fishing enthusiasts. There is still a creek on Long Key known as Zane Grey Creek.
Among Long Key amenities were a 75-room guest hotel, general store, a post office and 14 cottages. Normally, a fleet of 12 fishing boats and guides were available. The two-story clubhouse and cottages were on the Atlantic side, but the boats were generally docked on the Gulf side.
Guests arrived by boat or train. A tram passed under the track to connect the two sides. The guest list included Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Andrew Mellon, William Hearst, Charles Kettering, and other notables. Louis P. Schutt was the first manager. When L.P. became the manager of the Casa Marina Hotel in Key West, his son George, took over as manager at Long Key.
The Long Key Fishing Club was officially formed with Zane Grey as the first president from March 1917 to 1920. The stated purpose was, 'To Develop the Best and Finest Traits of Sport, To Restrict the Killing of Fish, To Educate the Inexperienced Angler by Helping Him, And To Promote Good Fellowship