Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
May 7, 2001
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

The Great Florida Noreaster of 2001

We have seen 22 consecutive days of Northeast wind blowing 15-25 nauts, keeping our water temperatures in the sub-78 degree range. Therefore, the Tarpon migration has been kept offshore, with a few fish showing along the flats, channels and basins of the Atlantic side and Gulf side. The only opportunities for sight casting have been to "laid-up" Tarpon that are resident fish or the March-April migration holdovers. These fish are "beat-up", feeling alot of angling pressure, and generally are not responsive to even the best fly presentation.We need the wind to shift to the Southeast so that the inshore water will warm up into the low 80's. The Tarpon migration will literally "bust loose" when this happens, and thousands of silver kings will explode onto the flats. We are probably a week away from this happening, as the weather man has forecast more of the same Northeast winds through Friday, May 11. It is probably going to be an awesome late May and early June for Tarpon fishing this year! Before the "Florida Noreaster" hit, angler Martin Ward demonstrated the "down and dirty" on this 90-100 pound silver king! Before you travel to the Keys for some great Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit action, call Capt. Dexter Simmons for a live report 305-745-3304. Tight Lines and Screaming Reels!

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