Florida Keys Fishing Report
Provided by:
Offshore:
Dolphin catching has been spotty, with only a few charter boats getting out each week, it is difficult to get a handle on the offshore action. Capt. Ron on the Fish Tales spent a major portion of his day on or near the Islamorada hump Wednesday and boated plenty of Blackfin Tuna along with one Dolphin of 21 pounds. Captain Mel on the Gotcha from Holiday Isle Marina took a ride offshore and around the 18 mile range found Dolphin under some birds. Mel’s anglers boated nine school Dolphin in the 5 to 7 pound range.
Reefs:
Many charter captains are opting to stay on the reef rather that run offshore looking around for the sparse population of Dolphin fish. The reef is providing good action on the Yellowtail Snapper when the conditions are right. The right conditions are current behind the boat and smoky water that is not too clear. There are reports of good Mangrove Snapper action at night time out on the patch reefs. Anglers are fishing in 15 to 25 or 30 feet of water on a dark night preferably. Chumming and drifting baits just like Yellowtail Snapper fishing in daylight is the method of choice for the mangroves. There have been Cero mackerel and even a few Spanish Mackerel along the reef and can be taken on fast trolled black and red feathers in the 30 to 50 foot depths.
Gulf and Bay:
The shallow side water is still very hot with daytime temperatures around 90 degrees. Tarpon will be active in any cut or channel especially on a tide change. Sea Trout and Snapper still make up the bulk of angling success in the bay and gulf. There were no reports of gulf fishing this past week and it will be several weeks before the seasons change and bring in the hoards of Spanish Mackerel in November. Until then, it will be Tarpon, Trout, Snapper, Jacks, Ladyfish and Sharks.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Capt. Fred from Whale Harbor Marina had a half day and went to Flamingo and did well on the Trout. That is certainly a long way to go on a four hour trip, but it was the only game in town. There are reports of good Snook and Redfish action in the drains and island moats in the Flamingo area. Cape Sable should be a good bet for an outing, but just catch plenty of Pinfish before you go, as there are no good size live Shrimp available during the heat of the summer.
