Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
September 26, 2003
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Best Bonefishing of the Year!

Sept. 26, 2003BEST BONEFISHING OF THE YEAR RIGHT NOW! COME ON DOWN AND LET'S CATCH A FEW TROPHY BONES!!Let's talk about carefully releasing sport fish like Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit after the catch. All game fish rely on their natural environment for survival. They cannot exist out of the water for long periods without doing fatal damage to their internal and external organs. So speed of release is critical in most cases. RULE OF THUMB: Try to release the fish within a minute of the catch. This Bonefish was in the net for no more that 10 seconds. Be careful how you handle the fish. Try not to drop the fish in the boat and avoid "gilling" the fish. Placing your fingers inside the gills of a fish will do damage to the most vital oxygenating organ. It is far better practice to cradle the fish in your hands for that Kodak moment. If the fish is too slippery to cradle, then try a Boga Grip or similar fish-friendly device to hold the fish up for a picture. After the picture, carefully lower the fish into the water next to the boat and slowly rock the fish back and forth in the water to move the gills and revive the fish. I like to handle Bonefish, Permit, and baby Tarpon by their tails when using this reviving technique. Adult Tarpon are usually too big to control by holding their tails alone, so I usually cradle the Silver King with one hand under the belly and the other hand just above the tail holding firmly. As the fish gains strength, you will feel it. When the natural swimming motion returns, the fish will usually wriggle out of your hands and swim away on her own. Here the Bonefish has recovered his strength and begins to swim away, notice the strong swirling stroke of the tail at the release.

Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com 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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