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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
December 9, 2003
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
With the latest cold front passage, the water temperature along the reef line has dropped to around 75 degrees. This is an indication of good things to come. The wind continues to keep the cocoanuts within picking distance of the ground, however during the brief changes in wind direction we have managed to get out with some great results. The water offshore is quite clear and the color looks great. Bright blue in the deep and aquamarine over the reef. The Gulfstream remains far to the south, however it appears to be slowly inching this way. With it should be a slurry of action from the pelagic species. Right now, only a few blackfin tuna along with some bonito are being taken. Wahoo have made an appearance, and high speed trolling has proven to be the most productive. The sailfish action has been good. With the lower water temperatures, expect the kingfish activity to pick up soon. The real action has been with the bottom fish. Red snapper have made an unprecedented showing with full bag limits taken by all participating. They have been averaging from 7 to 10 pounds. Some have topped the 15-pound mark. The mutton snapper have begun to show along the reef. Some of these fish have pushed the 20-mark. Gag, red, scamp and black grouper are showing in good numbers and have been very cooperative. Doug Starr and Brian Miller each captured a potential line class world record gag grouper during the past week.
The edge of the reef remains active with flag yellowtail snapper on the deep side and Spanish and Ciro mackerel on the shallow side. Some bait busting has been noted as well. Large numbers of small mackerel along with jack crevalle have been active in Hawks Channel where the clear water becomes dusty.
Due to the high winds from the northerly direction, no activity has been reported from the gulf, however due to the large numbers of very small cobia everywhere (5 to 10 pounds), I would suggest that the gulf wrecks will be home to many more along with the inevitable jewfish.
Inshore, the harbor action as well as the flats action has slowed considerably due to the north winds. Although the harbor action will improve with the winter, expect the shallow water to fall off with the falling water temperatures. Short flurries of action can be expected with periods of good weather.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing
Capt. Ralph Delph
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