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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
June 2, 2005
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The Gulfstream is forming a large pocket of still water to the south and west of Key West, however the water offshore remains deep blue and although summer in right around the corner, many of the spring species are still around. Good numbers of sailfish and some blackfin tuna are active west of Cosgrove light. Dolphin and skipjack tuna have made their show and seem to only be getting more numerous. Large fields of Sargasso have diminished and smaller weed lines have concentrated the fish. Expect the sailfish and blackfin action to slow as the water warms.
Further inshore, the mutton snapper spawn is in full swing with our future stocks suffering due to full bag limits of these spawning fish. The black grouper action has been red hot with fish commonly running in the 30,s and 40,s and a few topping the 50 pound mark. Gag groupers are still numerous, however the red groupers seem to be well on their way out of here. Red snappers have been conspicuous by their absence this year. Yellowtail have been in good supply along the outer reefs with many of the flags in the 4-pound range. You will need plenty of chum to get them up to the surface in 90 + feet of water.
Permit have been in good supply in some areas and less than plentiful in others. The Gulf wrecks have been sparse for permit. Come to think of it, the Gulf wrecks have been sparse for everything this year, except Jewfish (Goliath Grouper).
The flats have been active with large numbers of migrating tarpon. Permit have been active and some large ones have been taken on crabs. Bonefish seem to be around but the word is that there seems to be a little fewer than in years past. Most of the shallow water sharks have vacated these waters for cooler climes.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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