Boy, we had some real LUNKERS this week!!! We had the fish of a life time caught aboard “That’s Right” this week by a 12 year old! It’s been a pretty busy week here in Islamorada as all three boats got into the action along with the two skiffs. Okay, where to start. Well, on the reef and Ocean side both “Pretty Work” and “That’s Right” had some real nice catches, despite the conditions later on in the week. All week we had real nice current with warm waters and the clarity was a clean green with a touch of blue to it at times. We had plenty of bait this week to choose from with Pilchards, Cigar minnows and Speedos. At the first of the week the King Mackerals were biting very well with fish ranging from 10 to 25 lbs. Mixed in with the Kings were some nice Blackfin Tunas that managed to tip the 15lb range. Not bad for 130 feet of water. The Yellowtails are starting to get even more settled in as we fished a wreck most of the week and managed some pretty nice quality fish that are holding a steady three pounds now and a few bigger ones mixed in. Below them there has been a nice showing of Mutton snappers ranging from 10 to 20 lbs. We do really well with flat line baits for them while anchored up; great action for all the anglers. We also managed to find some large Mutton snapper on the down rod out in about 130′ of water, all eager to eat a Cigar Minnow. Later in the week we found ourselves with no current and dirty green water which did little for our jigging venture with Dr. John and his brothers. However his 12 year old, Tao, managed to catch this LUNKER Black Grouper, which was released alive and well! Took him about 25 minutes to boat the fish, which was caught on 30lb test and 30lb fluoro carbon, GREAT JOB!! There was also a day or two spent chasing some schoolies this week, however, there were lots of fish but very few that we could keep. The Cobia have popped up almost every day for those who have been in looking for them. Again most fish find the live Grunt the prime choice and the fish range from throw backs to 60 lbs.
The backcountry is showing even more improvements as the Tarpon are starting to bite and bite rather well! Captain Jeff caught several over the weekend. The fish ate live baits and ranged from 60 to 80 lbs giving the anglers a fight they will always remember. The Trout and Red fish are still plentiful. It’s getting tough to find the keeper Trout but the guys are managing quite well. The Jacks and Ladyfish are still providing great action in the slow times. Capt. Jeff also tells me the Sharks are starting to show up in pretty good numbers now so get ready for some real large fish staring you down!!
We are at the beginning of Spring and just a short note to let everybody know what to look for in the next few months here in the Keys. Offshore will begin to produce very good Dolphin fishing with some Marlins mixed in. The Blackfins should be plentiful on the Humps, as well as the prime time for Day and Night Swordfishing. The Reef will become very strong with Snappers and remember that Grouper season starts May 1st. The Permit will be strong on the inshore wrecks and the Muttons will also bite even better. The big attraction are the TARPON which will be in full force any day now, with fish up to 200lbs. WOW, you need to get some of this action for sure! The Bonefishing will pick up on the flats as well as the Permits too. Deep in the back country we will start to see plenty of Cobia and groupers on the wrecks and holes, as the Big mangrove snappers will also begin to bite. Finally the Shark fishing will really pick up and there are some amazing beasts back there so come get some!!
