Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
February 22, 2001
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Bones invade Gulf Flats

Bonefish are beginning to show more and more on the Gulf flats. We were actually hunting for tailing Permit when we happened upon schools of Bones. At first they seemed spooky, but after the water temp reached 74 degrees fahrenheit, they were in the feeding zone and vulnerable to our well-cast shrimp patterns. As reported last week, Permit are everywhere! We are finding them in all the usual places, on the flats, in the channels, in the basins, and on the patch reefs. Pete O'Dell of the great Pacific Northwest caught his first Permit on fly and we have had several others repeat that performance since. February and March are best for Permit, and the hot action should continue through the beginning of April. Bonefish action will stay good as long as the warm breezes keep the water warm. Tarpon action is a bit spotty, but when found they are quite willing to take a fly. There are some juvenile Tarpon available in the channels and creeks and some larger (40-80 lbs.) fish around as well. We are hoping that the warm weather will continue, bringing in the Tarpon schools to complete that grand slam fishing.Before you travel to the Keys for some great fall Bonefish and Permit action, call Capt. Dexter Simmons for a live report 305-745-3304. Tight Lines and Screaming Reels!

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