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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 31, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water Conditions:
OFFSHORE: Temperature: 74 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Blue with only a slight off color from cobalt.
REEF: Temperature: 74 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clear blue with a visibility of 70 feet
INSHORE: Temperature: 70 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 the Gulfstream continues its course, 40 south of Key West, sailfish have been very cooperative over the past several days. Wahoo remain fairly active with the best action coming from the trolling boats and those slow trolling small live bonito. The best action for the smoker kingfish remains far to the west (Tail End and further), however kingfish in the 30# class have been more common in the area of Eastern Dry Rocks during the past week. Blackfin tunas have been sporadic at best. Dolphin activity has slowed and will probably remain so until the Gulfstream pushes further north and the winds shifts to the southeast again.
REEF: Yellowtail snapper have slowed a bit but that may be due to the lack of anglers perusing them. The mutton snapper and red grouper action in front of Key West has been red hot with muttons running well into the high teens and some of the red groupers topping the 20# class. Ten to 20 muttons and bag limits on red grouper have been common. Throw in a black grouper or two and some great catches have hit the docks during the past week. Most of the action has been on live bait.
INSHORE: Small Ciro mackerel continue to dominate the inshore action, however some of the muttons have moved into the patch reefs and some nice size grouper have fallen for trolled plugs in and around Hawks Channel. Some sporadic cobia action has been noted. The harbor has noted no activity at this time, however tarpon and permit action is just around the corner. The first of the permit to show will be slabs, some pushing well into the 40# class.
GULF OF MEXICO: The grouper bar continues to produce a few nice kingfish with some running into the 35# class. The best action seems to be on the incoming tide. The cobia action remains a little weak, however those willing to run long distances have found action far to the north.
FLATS: With the water temperature again falling below the 70-degree mark, expect the shallow water to slow a bit. Check with your local expert for action in his area.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing. Captain Ralph Delph
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