Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
July 25, 2001
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Big Bonefish Tailing on Flats...Lobster Mania Spooks them off!

Bonefish and Permit are tailing up on the low tide flats on the Gulf side of the Keys, when the winds are down. Here is a 13 pound beauty that was taken when tailing on the Sugarloaf flats by angler Bruce Nakao. Here is the tailing Bonefish (yes, the one that Bruce caught) ready to be taken again! Every year in late July there is a sport Lobster season, when the Keys are invaded by thousands of out of town snorkelers and divers with their overloaded boats running over all the flats, channels and basins where our flats fish live. This craze totally spooks the fish and they usually go deep until the noise settles down. This week, with Lobster season in full swing, there are too many boats around making a racket to fish the flats efficiently. Once the Lobster mania has passed, then the fish will be back on the flats again and less spooky. Unfortunately, lobsters do not take flys! Recently, we have had some great Grand Slam action. Here Peter has one of four Bonefish caught in the backcountry, and a Permit caught on the Atlantic side of the Keys. He also had two Tarpon takes, but the Silver King got away!> There are plenty of opportunities to land Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit this summer here in the Keys. Come on down and let's catch a few! 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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