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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
April 24, 2001
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
With seas offshore looking like a distant mountain range and winds gusting to near thirty knots, only those of strong stomach and passionate heart have ventured offshore in the last several days. They have found a current rip with a sporadic color change in about 130’ of water, producing a few sailfish, along with bonitos, blackfin tuna, small dolphin and some wahoo running in the mid twenties or so. The cobia are migrating north and those with keen eyes and ready rods, are picking up some lings up to 60#. With the next frontal passage on Wednesday, the wind is expected to pick back up to the same as it has been, testing the patients and equipment of those fishing the Texaco Keys Classic fishing tournament on April 26, 27 and 28.
Before the wind, bottom fishing has been very good with limits of grouper and red snapper being taken by those in the know. Mutton snapper are gearing up for the spawn and should be hard to come by during the day light hours, but easy for those fishing at night in the areas that these fish spawn. However if these fish are left to spawn, we will have many more in the years to come. The permit are in full spawn at their usual locations along the reef and are beginning to eat most anything offered.
The gulf has been alive with blackfin tuna and bonito, but here again, the seas have been far to rough for even a large boat to pursue these gamesters. Permit and some smaller cobia have been frequenting the wrecks and as soon as the seas subside and the water clears, the permit action should be in full swing. Key West harbor is still producing some tarpon for those chumming with shrimp boat chum though the action has been sporadic at best.
The flats have been the place to be if for nothing more than to get out of the rough water. Sharks have been abundant however the permit, tarpon and bonefish have been a little harder to find. Ron Glenski of Whiteville N. C. boated a 213# lemon shark on the fly rod, as he narrows down the species in his final quest for the “Grand Master” of the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament that will be ending on May 13.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and Good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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