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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
April 17, 2003
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
With the Gulfstream pushing up tight to the reef from just east of Cosgrove Light and points east, sailfishing is the key word. A strong east current with a bold color change has formed from just east of Pelican Shoal, east to American Shoal. Live baiters as well as those trolling dead baits are taking good numbers of sails. Cobia continue to cruse the edge of the color change. Some of these fish are pushing well into the 60# class. Dolphin have been scarce, but expect that to change as soon as the wind gets back around to the southeast. Bonito have been in good supply but blackfin tuna have been only sporadic.
Along the edge of the reef, yellowtail have been in good supply, however mutton snappers have been few and far between. Red snappers have taken up the slack left by the muttons and remain strong along with gag, black, and red grouper for the bottom fishermen. A few of the blacks have been running into the 60# class. Most of the latter have been stronger near the Tortugas.
The inshore wrecks are showing signs of good permit action and they are getting active on artificials. Look for the permit action to get better as the wind goes east to southeast. Their numbers will only get better.
The blackfin tuna action is picking up in the gulf and as the water clears, we should be approaching the peak of the season for this great game fish. These fish will commonly be taken in the high 20’s with some 30+ pounders falling to some lucky anglers. Bonito, also known as albies are already at their peak and will be so for a long time to come. A few small cobia can be found around some of the Gulf wrecks but will soon be gone. The inevitable jewfish can be found around most any structure in the Gulf and elsewhere.
The flats fishing has been good, especially for those interested in permit. Tarpon have been good in the early mornings around Pearl Basin and Demolition Key but the main migration has not yet started. That should begin around May 10th plus or minus. Shark fishing has held up well with a number of big lemons and bulls falling to IGFA world record seekers.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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