KEY WEST FISHING and SPECIAL NOTE
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 29, 2010
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
OFFSHORE: The Gulfstream is pushing to within 7 miles of Sand Key light and to within 2 miles of Looe Key, bringing 77 degree water to the edge of the outer reefs. The water is a deep blue and very clear. To the west, the water has a blue-green tint with water temperatures in the 75 degree range.
SAILFISH, WAHOO, BLACKFIN TUNA and LITTLE TUNNY have been abundant and very cooperative, especially on live pilchards, threadfin, and goggle eyes. Large, smoker KINGFISH have been plentiful along the reef. Again, live bait (bluerunners) has been producing the best catches. YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER remain skitterish due to the presents of the kings. Check out our "CATCHES LAST WEEK" on our web site at www.delphfishingcharters.com.
The deeper reefs have been alive with MUTTON SNAPPERS, however it is difficult to avoid the GROUPERS. The blacks have been releasing well, however, all of the reds and scamps have floated away, even after venting. What a waste!!!!!!!!
INSHORE: Hawks Channel is holding large schools of small SPANISH MACKEREL and large KINGFISH. The birds are the give away to their locations. COBIA are abundant on the shallow wrecks as well as the near by wrecks in the gulf. Large numbers of PERMIT, some into the 40 pound class, are holding around the structures and islands of the lower keys. POMPANO and LADYFISH are plentiful in the channels and shallow basins around the islands.
GULF OF MEXICO: The water has warmed considerably and good numbers of smoker KINGFISH have been active on the grouper bar, north of the Marquises. They are responding to live bait as well as trolled baits. The best action has been while chumming with ground chum and live pilchards. COBIAS are plentiful and some large ones have been taken well to the north.
FLATS: The water has warmed here as well and some of the large PERMIT, as well as some very large LEMON SHARKS and TIGER SHARKS have been observed cruising the edges of the shallow water.
SPECIAL NOTE: We are in the process of loosing our fishery. If you are not familiar with what is happening, check out www.joinrfa.com. The Feds are closing one fishery after another. It is already happening. Some of us are attending the march on Washington on February 24, at noon. Make your voices known, or start learning golf. If you have inquiries, contact me through our web site.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
Key West Fishing Forecast:
The weather is cooperating and the fishing for the upcomming week should be outstanding. The only problem that I can forsee is choosing the direction to go.
Target Species:
SAILFISH, WAHOO, BLACKFINS, KINGFISH, COBIA, MUTTON SNAPPER
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