Pelagic's Dominate
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 13, 2009
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The pocket of still water that was south of the lower keys over the past week, has moved out and has been replaced by a strong eastbound Gulfstream that is oscillating from 1 to 3 miles south of the reef line. This has brought WAHOO, BLACKFIN TUNA, BONITO and DOLPHIN (that's right, dolphin) action to the forefront over the past several days. As the stream moves out, the action slows, and as it moves back in close to the reef, the pelagic action picks up again.
A strong cold front is forecast for later this week, and although 20 to 30 mph winds should dampen the enthusiasm for most anglers over the weekend, this should drop the water temperatures back near the 70 degree mark and improve the offshore fishing over the next week. However another pocket of still water is headed our way and may be here by the middle of next week. With the cooler water temperatures, look for some good to excellent KINGFISH and MACKEREL action as the winds subside and allows anglers to access the reef line. SPANISH MACKEREL in the gulf and Hawks Channel and CERO MACKEREL along the reel and south of the Quicksands.
This continues to be a great season for RED SNAPPER with full bag limits on most days, however the MUTTON SNAPPER action has slowed a bit, but remains good. BLACK GROUPER are in good supply and RED GROUPER, though fewer, are running large with 18 to 20 pounders not uncommon. SCAMP GROUPER are in good supply around the deeper reefs and wrecks. Surprisingly enough, some of the better bottom action has been right in front of Key West.
The gulf has been producing some nice KINGFISH and COBIA action north of the Marquises and the close on artificial reefs. Small BLUEFISH and JACK CREVALLE are numerous as well.
Look for the flats to die with the strong north winds and cooler temperatures and if the water temperatures drop below 70 degrees, look for your golf clubs until the water warms back up.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
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