Key West Action Remains Strong
Capt. Ralph Delph
December 21, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The Gulfstream has formed a large loop towards Cuba leaving a pocket of still water, even a slight west current to west of Cosgrove Light. East of Cosgrove Light and off Sand Key Light, the current is screaming east with the northern edge of the Gulfstream only 2 miles south. The water color along the edge of the stream is bright blue and producing good SAILFISH, BLACKFIN TUNA, BONITO and WAHOO action. Where the current has slackened, bottom action for BLACK GROUPER, MUTTON and RED SNAPPER has been phenomenal. Many of the grouper have been running well into the 30 pound range with some pushing the 40 pound mark. The MUTTONS have been running up to the l8 pound range with one here or there clipping the 20 pound mark. We have also been catching a large number of 4 to 6 pound fish, indication a good stock for the future. RED SNAPPERS remain in good supply with full bag limits on every day. Flat lines with live bait have been producing BLACKFIN TUNA while bottom fishing. These fish are running in the high teens to the low 20 pound range. COBIA are beginning to show on the ocean side with the cooler water temperatures.
Crashing bait action has been hot in Hawks Channel during the early morning hours with MACKEREL and JACK CREVALLE along with BARRACUDA and an occasional BLACKFIN TUNA and KINGFISH providing most of the action. Chuggers and surface lures have been the most productive. This can provide some great visual action and leave you wanting more.
With the water temperatures now reaching the 70 degree mark, it is time to start checking out the shallow wrecks for COBIA. Although the signs are right, I have not had time to check this out, with all of the other action. Fishing this season has been the best that I have seen in many years.
With the north winds pushing the 20 mph mark, not many anglers have ventured into the Gulf over the past week, so I have no reports from that area.
The flats have suffered with the lowering temperatures and will shortly fall into the winter doldrums when the water drops below 70 degrees. With short periods of warm water, we should have spurts of good action. Keep in touch with your captain for these times.
Check out www.delphfishingcharters.com for photos of last weeks catches.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
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