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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 7, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water Conditions:
OFFSHORE: Temperature: 77 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Blue with only a slight off color from cobalt.
REEF: Temperature: 76 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clear blue with a visibility of 70 feet
INSHORE: Temperature: 74 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clearing with a tinge of off-color green
GULF: Temperature: 69 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Off-color near shore but clearing as you proceed offshore.
FISHING REPORT:
OFFSHORE: Although a few sailfish and blackfin tuna are still being taken, the action has fallen off considerably during the past week. Bonito continue to be a plague, however a burst of wahoo action was the highlight of the past week. Fish from 30 to 50 pounds were common and the light tackle boats were boasting of multiple fish each day. Kingfish have been cooperative with most of the action centered around the end of the bar. Although most of the action was provided by fish in the teens, 30-pound fish were not uncommon.
REEF: Yellowtail snapper continue to highlight the action with 3 to 4 pound flags the norm. The bait crashing along the reef seems to have passed, however ciro mackerel continue to be active. Although the current along the reef has been a screaming 2 plus knots, grouper as well as red and mutton snapper action has held up well. Innovation is the key to fishing the bottom dwellers in these strong currents.
INSHORE: Jack Crevalle and small Spanish mackerel have been chasing bait along the face of the color change. This action may be located by the bird activity in Hawks Channel from Boca Grande to the Marquises. Surface plugs seem to be working best. Large ciro mackerel have been reported from Boca Grande Channel. Chumming with block chum and spiced with live pilchards has provided the best action.
GULF OF MEXICO: The grouper bar lit up during the past week and kingfish into the 40-pound class have been taken. Full bag limits of large fish are the norm. Cobia are beginning to show around the wrecks with some of the fish running into the 30-pound plus class.
FLATS: The water temperature has pushed into the mid 70’s and the shallow water action has picked up considerably. Tarpon have been reported along the edge of Northwest Channel. Bonefish, and some permit have returned to the flats in decent numbers. Reports of cobia pushing onto the flats along the gulf side have filtered in.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing. Captain Ralph Delph
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