Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
February 5, 2002
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Cold Front Cools Down Grand Slam Action

Our fishing has turned cold due to a winter weather front that has lowered the air temperatures by 10 degrees fahrenheit, lowering the water temps on the flats into the 60's. It is time to tie some flies and wait for the warm air to return. The fish will go into deeper water to warm up, and when the air temps warm into the mid to high 70's again, then they will be back on the flats. It could be as early as tomorrow (Feb. 6).The current weather situation reminds me of past seasons when we had weeks and weeks of cold air from the North dampening our fishing. At least this year it seems to be a temporary situation. Visiting anglers should always consult with their guides when the cold fronts lower the air temperatures into the 50's or 60's in the Keys. It might seem warm to folks to the North when it is in the 60's (farenheit) here in the Keys, but the fishing is usually very slow on the flats. The cold air coupled with a strong (20-25 knot) wind from the North is the kiss of death for fishing on the flats, so don't expect much if you insist on going fishing. Listen to your guide, ask the right questions about the conditions and the effect on fishing.When the warm air returns we will be back after that elusive slam again! February Tarpon action will heat up when the air temps hit 80 fahrenheit. Tarpon will flood back in from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, as air temps approach 25-27 Celsius. Backcountry channels, flats and basins will "load up" again with Silver Kings, big Barracuda and Cobia. Click here on this link to check out some Tarpon fishing video and available Tarpon dates for this coming April, May and June!Bonefish will also turn on from mid-day through the afternoon on backcountry flats and channel edges. You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at [email protected]

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