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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
January 19, 2007
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Offshore, the water temperature remains at or above 76 degrees. The Gulfstream remains far to the south and the blue water fishing reflects these adverse effects. Only an occasional sailfish has been reported and the rest of the pelagic species are only conspicuous by their absence. Only the kingfish have saved the day, and they are everywhere. Along the reef out to 200 feet of water, in Hawks Channel, on the Quicksand’s and in the Gulf. They have been running well into the 30 pound class on a regular basis with some running well into the 40’s. The larger fish have been falling for live baits. Bottom fishing remains good with mutton snapper holding the spotlight. The muttons have moved into the reefs from Key West to the Dry Tortugas. They have been running from 6 to 12 pounds with some running into the 16# class. They have been falling for live bait as well as chunked bonito in the chum lines. Large black grouper into the 50# class are being taken on a weekly basis by those in the know. Yellowtail snappers have slowed, but persistence has been paying off with full bag limits.
Inshore, small Spanish mackerel are starting to be seen chasing glass minnows in Boca Grande Channel and the Quicksand’s. This is usually a December thing, however many signs indicate a season that is a month or more later than usual. The cobia have moved off of the shallow wrecks but still remain on the deeper wrecks in the Gulf.
The flats remain fairly active as the water temperature remains in the mid 70’s. Bonefish along with some sharks and a few cudas can be found. Trout in the 3 to 4 pound class are being taken from the muds in the basins along with jacks, ladyfish and small blacktips.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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