Seasonal Patterns have arrived in Key West…The Bite is On!
The past thirty days have brought massive improvements to the fishing here in Key West. As we predicted in last month’s reports, the seasonal fall patterns are now fully in place and the conditions continue to improve bring the action to an absolute peak! Each new front passes through and we experience an improved fishery! We are enjoying banner days on the water right now!
This is a very exciting time in Key West as several prized offshore pelagic species have migrated into our local waters in numbers. The shallow water species population in the backcountry has reached epic proportions! If you are a light tackle angler, now’s the time to get busy!
Let us break down the recent action as reported from the docks of Key West Pro Guides…
Offshore:
Sailfish are arriving as we move towards their early pre-season spawning migration. Sailfish are one of those magical species of pelage’s that are at or near the top of every angler’s “Bucket List”. The success rate for the light tackle angler targeting Sailfish is improving daily right now! Early Dolphin has already provided us with some excitement on the weed lines as well. Black Fin Tuna are making their presence known by “slamming” baits most days now while the Skip Jacks and Bonito simply overpower you by sheer numbers. A 36 pound Kingfish was boated yesterday which signals a changing of the guard and we now look forward to the arrival of the elusive Wahoo! The offshore angler can pick and choose their target species right now. Rarely do we enjoy both the “tail- walking” Sailfish and the thunder & lightning of the “speed Demon” Kingfish in the same day. But you can right now with Key West Pro Guides. 866 259 4205 for additional offshore information or to book your “blue water” adventure today!
Atlantic Reef:
The action here has been excellent for some time now. Yellow Tail Snapper remain plentiful and a favorite targeted species for many anglers including the locals who appreciate them as wonderful table fare! The Mutton Snapper are on fire! Captain Chuck boated 21 Keeper Mutton this week! Quick note to all of you Grouper anglers…season is about over to keep Grouper. December 31 and it is all over for a while! Let’s get on them now!
Atlantic Wrecks:
Fishing has been fast paced of late, with nice Mutton Snapper’s leading the way! We still have some excellent Margate Snappers running 8 to 10 pounds are the sharks are still eating them like candy! Sharks are numerous on the wrecks right now and super exciting on light tackle. Heavyweight Amberjacks are still holding court on the deeper sites.
Gulf Wrecks:
The action remains excellent in the Gulf. Mangrove Snapper fishing continues while the Cobia cruise in numbers. The elusive Permit is still here but more are being found on the shallower “patch reefs”. Nice size Gag Grouper remain easily found lately while the behemoth Goliath Grouper continues to run the show on certain sites.
Backcountry:
Redfish are here friends! Spanish Mackerel and huge Jack Crevalle have invaded the shallows in giant schools. Pompano and Sea Trout will keep the rod bent all day long! Always dependable, the Mangrove Snapper bite is on providing the angler with excellent table fare at the end of his day on the water! For the more edgy light tackle angler, giant Barracuda and Black Tip sharks are patrolling the backcountry and ready to battle with a winner takes all attitudes. If you enjoy shallow water angling…this is the time of fast-paced action! Site casting to predators In crystal clear, calm waters that is exactly what we have waiting for you here at Key West Pro Guides.
Flats:
Bonefish and the ever-elusive Permit continue to provide a challenge to the flats anglers. Big Barracuda are plentiful as well and should not be overlooked for exciting action. A super bonus…we are finding Cobia following the numerous Rays giving us some easy targets! Sharks are quite commonly found foraging on the flats during this time of year also. This is a time of plenty for the flats angler. There are more targets for the fly fisher’s as well…if you are interested in getting on the flats with the best flats guides in Key West Call us today at 866 259 4205 and book your flats adventure with the pro’s at Key West Pro Guides.
Friends…what can we say…Key West fishing has turned on! To book your charter today with Key West Pro Guides and experience true “world class” fishing from the flats to offshore and everywhere in between…