PLAY GOLF THIS WEEK
Capt. Ralph Delph
March 7, 2010
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
OFFSHORE: The Gulfstream is flowing from the southwest and pushing near the reef line just to the southwest of Cosgrove light, south of the Marquises keys. From there it continues flowing to the east, approximately 3 miles to the south of Sandkey light. Things are set up for some great pelagic action, pending the movement of the stream to the face of the reef. Between the reef and the edge of the Gulfstream, water temperatures continue to be in the mid to high 60 degree range. That, coupled with extremely dirty water over the reef and especially in Hawks Channel has kept the bite for most fishermen to a near standstill. Bottom fishing and YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER fishing along the reef as well as fishing the pelagics has been a near catastrophe over the past week. Only smoker KINGFISH have been holding their own. MUTTON SNAPPER action has slowed, however, some fish in the 20 pound plus range have been taken by those with the know how and where.
INSHORE: The water inshore has been in the low to mid 60 degree range and extremely dirty. I have not heard of a fish of any kind being taken here in the past week. It is likely to take a week or more to clear up.
GULF OF MEXICO: The same as the inshore, except colder. Stay away!
Flats: This dirty water clears as it is filtered by the sea grass while passing over the flats. Expect some great PERMIT fishing as the water warms into the 70 degree range. This is just around the corner and large numbers of fish have been seen during infrequent warm spells this year.
BASINS: The basins are shaping up to be some great fishing in the near future. Even with cold and dirty water, mullet muds are forming and LADYFISH, JACKCREVALLE and some POMPANO can be had on yellow nylon jigs. TROUT are not far behind. The best action is on the incoming tide.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
Key West Fishing Forecast:
Warmer weather with lighter winds will allow the water to shape up this comming week.Look for fishing to pick up dramatically beginning around the 11th of this month.
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