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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
April 8, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water Conditions:
OFFSHORE: Temperature: 77 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Deep Blue, 75’ plus
REEF: Temperature: 76 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Blue with a visibility of 75’ plus
INSHORE: Temperature: 78 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clear green to aquamarine.
GULF: Temperature: 76 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Green to blue the further offshore you go.
FISHING REPORT:
OFFSHORE: Although the Gulfstream remains well to the south, water conditions are very good with clean blue water close to the reef. Sailfish have made a good show this week with the best action from vestal shoals to Cosgrove light. The blackfin tuna and bonito action has been red hot. Trolling and chumming with live pilchards have been producing well. The best action has been in the vicinity of the sub at the end of the bar. Kingfish in the teens and some wahoo have been taken by some of the bottom fishermen while using wire and dropping for grouper and snappers. Speaking of grouper and snappers, it doesn’t get much better. Full bag limits of red snappers, red, black, scamp and gag groupers as well as mutton snappers have hit the docks on a daily basis. The fishing that is going on now is the reason you fish Key West.
REEF: Yellowtail snapper have been good along the reef. The black groupers have been gathering below the yellowtails and fish in the 30# range have been common.
INSHORE: Permit are beginning to dominate the scene and around the wrecks and shoals with some fish running in to the mid 30’s and a few larger ones sighted.
GULF OF MEXICO: The wrecks have been producing cobia and the permit are starting to make their annual show. Jewfish are still plentiful and reports of some good catches of big mangroves have filtered in.
FLATS: With water temperatures in the mid to high 70’s, the flats action is well underway with permit, bonefish but only an occasional tarpon showing. Most of the tarpon action remains in the deeper water around the flats. Big sharks continue to be cooperative for those craving the pull of a monster.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
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