Fishing Key West In Cold Weather
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 7, 2010
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
OFFSHORE: The Gulfstream has moved to within 2 to 4 miles south of Sand Key light. This has kept the temperatures along the reef line in the mid 70 degree range, however with the incoming tides the temperatures have climbed to around the high 70's. This clean, clear, warmer water has brought an influx of predators with it. SAILFISH, BLACKFIN TUNA, LITTLE TUNNY and some WAHOO have been the targeted species. See "CATCHES LAST WEEK" on our web site at www.delphfishingcharters.com . This has been a blessing with the GROUPER and RED SNAPPER closure that has gone into effect through the wisdom those that know little or nothing about the lower keys. Medium to smoker size KINGFISH are increasing in numbers as the water temperatures continue to fall. CIRO MACKEREL have been active along the outer reef as well over the patches to the west. YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER continue to cooperate with those using ground chum and bonito as bait. MUTTON SNAPPER are in good supply with many of these fish running above the 15 pound mark, some over 18 pounds. Chumming in the shallower water using live ballyhoo has been productive but the larger fish are coming in the deeper water using live bait.
INSHORE: The water temperatures in the mid 60's, schools of SPANNISH MACKEREL have been chasing bait in Hawks Channel and the Quick Sands. These fish may be found by looking for large flocks of terns. JACK CRERVALLE in the 8 to 12 pound range have been mixed in as well. The water is muddier the further north that you go and the action slows with the diminished visibility. I have had no reports of COBIA, however they should be in good supply as the water clears.
GULF OF MEXICO: With strong northerly winds for an extended time and temperatures holding in the 50's, there has been little interest in the Gulf for the last couple of weeks. It should take a week or more for the water to clear up after the wind lays down. This is not a note of gloom as these temperatures should drive all species to the south side of the keys and the action should be excellent. I am looking for action like it used to be in the old days.
FLATS: Stay away.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
Key West Fishing Forecast:
FORCAST: Look for great pelagic fishing including some good day time SWORDFISHING along with BLACKFIN TUNA, LITTLE TUNNY, SAILFISH and WAHOO action, outside of the reef. Live blue runners should be producing some big smoker KINGFISH along the reef. Inshore, COBIA is the main target as they migrate south due to the colder water to the north. MUTTON SNAPPER should be abundant on the outgoing tide, in the shallower water while the deeper water will be better for the larger fish
Target Species:
SWORDFISH, BLACKFIN TUNA, WAHOO, KINGFISH and COBIA
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