The best action is early and late
Capt. Ralph Delph
June 18, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well, here I am at the end of another season. As the weather warms and the clouds increase, the fishing slows. Even during the slow summer months, the fishing in Key West remains better than most places. Chicken dolphin remain in good supply. When you get the little ones around the boat, toss a large live bait well away from the school and let it go. Often a large dolphin, wahoo or blackfin tuna will run it down and make your day. Sailfish are slow right now but look for a short but furious burst of action in mid to late August, before they fall off again until the late fall. August will also have a short run of wahoo, especially well to the west. This too will fall off until the winter months. Day time sword fishing is holding up well with multiple fish on most trips. There appears to be no limit to the season as this fishery has been strong all year long. Black grouper have picked up slightly after a very slow season; however this too will slow with the warmer weather. Scamp grouper and mutton snapper are slowing and will be just a trickle during the summer months. The red snapper action has held up well and doesn't show signs of slowing as yet.. Yellowtail snapper fishing remains good along the reef. If you are looking for some good action and cooler temperatures, then you might try some night time yellowtail and mangrove snapper fishing as the mangos will be spawning soon.
The gulf wrecks have a descent supply of permit right now and this action should hold up for most of the summer. Stop by one of the sandy beaches and pick up a few crabs before you go, as crabs are now selling for $2 each when you can find them. Yellow nylon jigs are working well also. The cobia are gone now and will not return until late November. Goliath grouper remain a plague near any structure in the gulf and Florida Bay.
Tarpon remain on the move in the lower keys, however the end of June marks the end of their main migration down here. You should still be able to find a straggler here and there up through August. Permit and bonefish action will slow with warmer water, so look for the best action on the incoming tides, early and late in the day. The basins have had some great action on ladyfish, jacks, trout, etc. Look for the muds and use light tackle with small jigs and trout touts.
That's it for now. Have a great summer and "Tight lines and good fishing."
See you in the fall.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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