Best action is shallow or deep
Capt. Ralph Delph
June 5, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
As we transition into the summer months, we are still finding good sailfish, blackfin tuna, dolphin and kingfish action to the west. Out front, dolphin seems to be the mainstay for the offshore boats. Yellowtail and mutton snappers continues strong along the reef, however the mutton action should wane as we get deeper into the summer months. Scamp grouper and yellow eye snapper fishing remains strong well to the west in the deeper water, but this too should slow with the warmer weather. Amberjacks are still present along the deeper reefs although the size has diminished over the last several weeks.
Permit have been present, although not in great numbers, on some of the gulf wrecks. Surprisingly, some nice cobias have been taken over the past week. The rubble north of Key West seems to be the better locations for the most fish. Jewfish remain thick around every wreck, rock and beer can in the gulf, so plan on loosing a good number of mangrove and yellowtails that you hook.
This is the shallow water boy's time of year. The worm hatch went off in late May and again on the new moon in June. This will mark the northward migration of the main mass of fish and the ocean-side shoreline should be loaded with anglers in small boats looking for the Silver King. As a note to the novice, if you can tell the color of the hat of the angler in the flats skiff, then you are too close. Give them a wider birth as any engine sound will turn off the bite for that angler. Permit have also been in good supply on the flats, so keep a crab rigged and ready while looking for tarpon. Bonefish action has been good on the incoming tide, early and late in the day.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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