 |
Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
December 9, 2002
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
“THEIRRR BACK.” With a strong eastbound current and a water temperature of 76 degrees, the big draw along the edge of the reef is the big yellowfin tunas. They have been responding to chumming with live pilchards. The big news is the size of the fish this year. They seem to be averaging 200 pounds and even more. While on a busman’s holiday, Mike Delph, fishing with Capt. Rob Delph and Chris Garcia, fought and landed a potentially new state record yellowfin, weighing in at 240#. Remember, yellow fin tuna are a federally controlled species and a federal tuna permit must be held in order to take these fish. To pass the time of day, the bonito and blackfin tuna have been cooperative with some of the blackfins weighing in the mid 20s. Although I have not heard of any Wahoo taken as of now, some of the bonito have been cut up and this is a good sign that some of these striped predators are around.
Sailfish and some dolphin action has been reported along the color change directly in front of Key West. This action seems to be slowing as the week progressed. With the current running at about 2 knots, the bottom fishing has slowed a little, but it appears that the mutton snapper are moving into the area in good numbers although they will not be very cooperative until the current slows down a little. The good news in the bottom fishery is the large number, and size of yellow eye snappers. These fish have been running around four pounds and eating very well. Full bag limits are the norm. Some black grouper and red grouper have been taken while fishing for the snapper.
The reports from the reef indicate that the yellowtail fishing is holding up well however the expected show of large cero mackerel has not started as of yet. Only a few scattered kingfish have been reported with some edging into the 30# Class.
The gulf is beginning to show some action on Spanish mackerel and some small cobia are starting to show around the wrecks. The inevitable jewfish are still plaguing the wrecks.
The flats action for bonefish and permit is holding up, however that action should slow as the water temperature slides towards the 70 degree mark. At that point, you had better get the big boat ready to go.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
