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Key West and Lower Keys
Capt. Dexter Simmons
August 5, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon and Big Snapper!
August 5, 2004, 2004There are times during the Spring, Summer and Fall when rather large Snapper venture onto the flats. Mutton Snapper will follow Sting Rays around, Lane and Mangrove Snapper will feed in the Turtle Grass like Bonefish providing anglers with another fun species to target.
In particular, Lane and Mutton Snapper are great to eat. So, when the Summer heat makes the game fish scarce look around the edges of the flats near the channels for Snapper cruising around. They will take most any Bonefish or Permit fly stripped or presented as you would to a Bonefish or Permit.Summer and early fall is my favorite time to target Tailing Bonefish on the flats.
Tailing and mudding Bonefish that average 5 -7 pounds and can reach world record sizes of 15 pounds or more are found during these hot months during low falling or low incoming tides on the Gulf side of the Lower Keys. 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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 Key West Fly Fishing with Capt. Dexter Simmons. Sight fly fishing on the flats of Key West, the Marquesas, and the Florida Keys for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Shark, and more. Charters available year 'round. Friendly, experienced, professional captain who prides himself on providing a high quality fly fishing trip for anglers of all abilities. Fly casting lessons, SAGE fly fishing rods, TIBOR reels, lines, leaders, flys hand tied by Capt. Dexter Simmons, & fishing licenses included
Contact Info:
Key West Fly Fishing
P.O. Box 2006
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-745-3304
Alt. Phone: 305-745-3304
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