Key Largo Backcountry Fishing Report
Capt. Jeremy Mathis
November 5, 2015
Key Largo - Saltwater Fishing Report
WOW! October was a great month to be out in the backcountry in Key Largo, FL. Everything was chewing, the mullet showed up and the fish were fattening up for the so called winter. If they went to the DR they would have been told they need to lose some weight! The full moon with extreme tides had the fish extra frisky.
The snook bite was impressive to say the least. When it turned on, you couldn't not catch them. We threw pilchards and mullet freelined, on popping corks, and on jig heads for best results. Moving water was the common factor and tide change was a good time as well.
We had some folks out from the Netherlands who simply wanted to tighten lines and show their kids a good time. What a great group, they caught numerous jacks and ladyfish until the Snook bite turned on. They wound up with 3 nice snook to end the afternoon.
Later that week, we had another family from Miami who came down for the week that had just purchased and home down here and wanted to learn some good ares to fish. They also caught a lot of large Jacks and then the Snook took over. We had success throwing live baits on Cajun Thunders. I wish we had more photos but when the bite turned on it was one after another.
Trent and Brittany came down before starting an internship for some relaxation and some backcountry fishing. Trent was determined to catch his first Snook. As the story typically goes, Brittany showed him up and landed this nice snook to start the afternoon.
Trent did catch his first Snook but it was about an inch too small to keep, so as the sun started setting we headed off to target Tarpon. It wasn't long before he was hooked up to a 60lb'r that put on a great show. He man handled this thing and we got a great catch and release photo.
I went out the next evening with a good friend to see if I could put a hurting on some Snook lips, yes the ol captain likes to take a turn at pulling on these great fighters. I manged to land a few small ones when it happened. This beast grabbed my line and my drag sang that sweet song we all love to hear. I grabbed her for a quick pic and put her back in the water. She stretched 38" but the weight of this thing was crazy. She definitely put a dent in the mullet population.
The full moon brought a few nice days of weather. We got out one evening to try for some snapper. We thought we would be loading up with yellowtail, but the Mangrove bit was hitting on all cylinders. We caught about 10 over 18" and are happy to say they made great fish tacos.
Now is the time to call and book your trip.
407-808-0405
www.ankledeepcharters.com
Key Largo Fishing Forecast:
We will continue to see the fishing improve as the water temps lower to a comfortable degree. The fish put on great shows and fight better in the cooler temps.
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