Florida Keys Fishing Report – 2/23 – Blackfin tuna, mack, cobia and yellowtails

The sun is still shining and the weather has been perfect down here in Islamorada.  Over the last week we have shared some highs and some lows as conditions have been fluctuating from day to day.  And with this Moon phase the tides have been extremely low, which does not help matters down here in these shallow waters. Both the “Pretty Work” and “That’s Right” fished most of the week and had some pretty decent days.  The Smoker Kings have slowly started to show up on a few of the 120’ to 200’ spots with the bait of choice being live Speedos.  The “Pretty Work” had a couple of days with some 20 to 30 pound kings; real nice fish. Their catch over the week consisted of some decent Cobia fishing before the wind turned East, with several nice 30 to 40 pound fish as well as some throw backs.  These guys find the Grunts hard to resist.

The Yellowtail fishing has been tough with either no current or gin clear water; this has made it a struggle.  Sure, we managed enough for a few dinners but it was tough going.  “That’s Right” has had some good bottom fishing with plenty of Porgies and still good catches of Hog fish. Also we had some good days with the King fish but mostly on the smaller side with 5 to 10 pound fish being that we have been fishing mostly in shallower waters. “That’s Right” did go offshore today in hopes for a Swordfish but only managed one bite that didn’t stay glued on.  However, we did manage a really nice afternoon of Tuna fishing on the Marathon Hump. No real big fish but some nice light tackle Blackfin Tunas, mostly on the Jigs and several on live Ballyhoos. We all enjoyed them for dinner and they sure were tasty!!

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Both Captain Clyde and Captain Jeff fished out back several days this week and both them & their anglers experienced lots of action. They reported that the waters are still cool but with much better bites.  The Pompano are plentiful and the Trout are still hungry! Plenty of action on the Jacks and a few Redfish are still lingering about. The Mackerels (Ceros, Spanish and Kings) are swarming.  This is fun fishing if you enjoy real light tackle or Fly fishing; a bite every cast!!!   Things in the Backcountry should do nothing but get even better moving into March and April.  Before you know it there will be Tarpon, Permits and Bonefish everywhere!!

Captain John Oughton
prettyworkcharters@gmail.com
1-855-GOT-BAIT