Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
July 9, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Happy Bonefishing!

July 9, 2004Summer is Bonefish season here in the Keys as evidenced by the above happy angler (Steve Teague). This is the best time to catch tailing, mudding Bonefish that average 5 -7 pounds and can reach world record sizes of 15 pounds or more. Any discussion of great Bonefishing sparks some fond memories of Big Fish, like this one caught with me years ago by my friend Jimi.This past winter, we had the best of bonefishing, and the worst of weather. Go figure!Looking back on this episode of great bonefishing in 69 degree water this past winter, I am reminded of the extremes that make Bonefish school up and feed in multitudes. Strength in numbers is the basic concept, as the Bones try to avoid predators, and locate pods of shrimp, etc. along muddy and grassy bottoms. In the Bahamas, there are times when hundreds, if not thousands, of small Bones will cloud up an entire flat by feeding in multitudes on the bottom. In the Keys, we also find mudding Bonefish, but they are usually larger fish in smaller groups. Here is a solo mudding BonefishSingle mudding Bonefish will demonstrate their abililty to use water pressure to uncover bottom dwelling shrimp and crab. When Bones locate possible crustacean hiding holes, they will shoot streams of water from their mouths to the bottom, causing puffs of mud to appear. This is one of the most exciting moments for an angler stalking Bonefish. A well cast fly will land gently in front of the mudding Bonefish, close enough to be seen when sinking, then retrieved in the classic strip, strip, pause method prompting the visceral reaction from the Bone. Here is a happy angler who scored a big Bone after seeing the Bone mud and tail within 30 feet of his wading position.Tarpon season has just ended. The most fun we had is depicted in this picture of Greg Persbacker and Capt. Dexter taken during a Palalo worm hatch by Greg's buddy George Hodgson. What a great time we had with the worms and the Tarpon two nights in a row! Here, Greg Persbacker plays role reversal with Capt. Dexter the angler and Greg the "glove man". June was excellent for Tarpon fishing here in the Keys. June was a leader grabbing month here in the Keys.Casting from the foredeck of "FlatsMaster" in THE CAGE gives anglers additional height and stability so they may easily spot fish in the clear, shallow waters of the Keys. June, July, August, September and October generally bring some great catches of Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish, so plan your trip now. Tarpon like the one above landed by Louis Eagle, will be laid up around the Keys waters through July and August.Permit are available all summer and fall here in the Keys. Bonefish will be schooling and tailing all over the grass flats at sunrise and sunset as the water temps rise to the mid to high 80's. Summer and fall Bonefishing is widely regarded as the best here in the Keys. 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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