Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
July 9, 2000
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Line Management is Key to Successful Flats Fly Fishing

Sunrise and Sunset tides offer the best fishing during the summer months in the Keys. During the middle of the day the hot sun warms the water on the flats to above the acceptable range for flats species pushing them into deeper water. Believe it or not, overcast or drizzly days can be great fishing all day long, because the water temperatures stay in the temperate range for the fish. Sure, they are harder to see on cloudy days, so you must search for them on channel edges or sand flats or on shallow grass flats where tailing or "pushed water" can be detected. Whatever species you encounter, it is absolutley imperative that you control and manage your fly line. During a recent outing with a angler who could cast 60-70 feet of line nicely, we encountered several pods of Bonefish on the flats. The best opportunity of the day came when a school of 30-40 Bones pushed toward us in about 10 inches of water. Their wake was unmistakeable, and their shadows were detectable from 60 feet. As the Bones entered casting range I begged for a cast only to see the angler's fly line wrapped around the bow of the boat and the angler bending down to try to free the line. All of this "line management" came at the worst possible moment when the fish were begging to be fed the fly. There were some big fish in that school, too. A couple of them were in the 13-15 pound range! All you can say is that it was a learning experience for the angler, as this was his first time Bonefishing. I know he will be back to try again!! In preparing for your charter on the flats, learn to control your fly line at all times, whether you are stream fishing in wading boots or drifting in a boat. Keep track of that loose line, don't let it get tangled around your feet or legs or rocks or branches or boat or whatever. Keep track of it so that when the fish turn on, then you are ready to take advantage of every opportunity.Before you travel to the Keys, call Capt. Dexter Simmons for a live report 305-745-3304. Tight Lines and Screaming Reels!

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