Fishing Reports from the Florida Keys

Quick Glance
Provided by staff writer Captain Russ Pellow
visit him online at www.RustyIV.com
 

Charter boats are still “picking” away at the Dolphin.  It is definitely worth taking the ride offshore, as there have been some very good catches including big gaffer Dolphin in the teens and twenties in weight.  Dolphin fish have been caught reasonably close to the reef at 12 miles and way out at twenty.  Captain Ron Allen had a good half day close in at 12 to 14 miles.  The crew of the Fish Tales boxed a couple of dozen Mahi from 5 to 20 pounds this week.  Also several reports of great Black fin Tuna catches have filtered in on both humps (Islamorada and 409).  The Tuna are eating trolled lures and live bait as well as de-boned Ballyhoo slow trolled in the current rips.

The King Mackerel action has begun.  Captain Paul Johnson made a concerted effort to find the King’s and did so by slow trolling live baits deep in depths of 140 to 180 feet.  Paul’s fare also caught a couple of Red Grouper.   When in this zone, always look for the Wahoo to be mixed in with the King Mackerel.  Expect Bonito also.  On the reef proper the bite is hot and sometimes not so hot, usually depending on current or the lack there of.  Good action is to be had with Mutton, Mangrove and Yellowtail Snapper as well as Cero Mackerel.

It seems there are not too many if any folks fishing the Gulf area these days.  If one feels the urge to get lost and run to the Gulf several different species of fish can be expected.  Sea Trout and Mangrove Snapper will make up the big numbers in this area.  Also look for Permit and Cobia near markers on the yacht channel.  It might be a good idea to run the trap lines in quest of Tripletail.  Just please do not leave a hook in a trap line or otherwise touch them.  It is a little early, but we can expect perhaps an initial push of big Spanish Mackerel soon as well.

The backcountry pedigree includes Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Sea Trout as the mainstay of angling endeavor.  The Redfish has made a good showing in the Flamingo area as well as around Cape Sable.  Casting and drifting Shrimp in channels and drains is the method for the Red’s.  Of course one can expect Snook as well as Tarpon to inhale a live Shrimp also.  OK, I’ll say it; every species of fish that swims in Florida bay eats more Shrimp in its lifetime than anything else!!!   Around Islamorada guides are poling the flats for Bonefish with good results.  Sighting the Bonefish is a success in itself and there are lots of schools as well as singles and doubles on the flats at present. 

Capt. Ted's Fishing Report
Provided by contributor Captain Ted Benbow
visit him online at www.SkinsAndFinsCharters.com