Fishing Reports from the Florida Keys

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

The Sailfish bite slowed down a little this week, but they are still here in good numbers.  Captain Ron Allen took a half day trip with the intentions of doing battle with some Sailfish, but had no Sailfish activity.  Ron’s anglers did catch a few Dolphin and took them out to dinner.  Captain John on the Suzanne out of Whale Harbor Marina had a great day on the Yellowtail Snapper on Monday.  John’s clients boxed their limit of thirty Snapper.  The King Mackerel are present and eating deep trolled baits from Alligator Reef to Conch Reef in water depths from 90 to 200 feet.

When the weather permits most Islamorada guides opt to ride to the Gulf for the sensational Spanish Mackerel Bite.  Capt. Fred Ferreria ran his new Pathfinder skiff out to the Mackerel grounds and just plain wore out his customers.  Fred’s clients caught an estimated 40 Spanish and boxed several 5 to 6 pound fish for eating.  There are also a lot of Mangrove Snapper to be had in the chum slick.  The Mangrove Snapper must be over ten inches, but they are common well over 12 inches and are great eating.  Remember to have circle hooks and a venting device when in the Gulf.

A good bite on Bonefish was recorded by Captain Dave “Big D” Atkinson this past week.  Dave fished two trips and released four Bones one day and two the next.  The Bonefish were eating “resting” Shrimp and were estimated in weight from 7 to 10 pounds.  The Flamingo area is red hot one day and not so the next according to Capt. Lou Brubaker.  Lou fished a ¾ day on 12/22 and caught two Trout, one Snapper and 6 small Jack Crevalle.  THEN….  Lou fished 12 /26 a 5 hour trip and caught and released one Drum, two Redfish and 16 Snook.  What a difference a day makes.  The productive day was on the falling tide.