Spring action begins to pick up
Capt. Ralph Delph
March 31, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
With the Gulfstream pushing well offshore, pelagic activity has slowed. Some early Dolphin activity has been reported along with a few Sailfish, primarily to the east of Pelican Shoal. To the west some Dolphin and Bonito are being taken along with a good number of Kingfish, mostly snakes in the 10-pound class. Swordfishing has remained outstanding during the daytime with multiple fish reported on most trips. The deep water, bottom fishing remains good with Red Snapper, Mutton Snapper and Gag Grouper holding the lime light. Some of the Gags are running into the mid to high 20 pound class. Amberjack remains good while Red and Black Grouper are a little harder to find.
Along the reef, Yellowtail seems to be on the increase with some good catches of big flags being reported. Some larger Kingfish, into the 30-pound class, have fallen to live bait by some of the Yellowtail fishermen. A Few Black Grouper have fallen to live Yellowtail on the bottom as well. Hawks Channel still has some schools of Jack Crevalle and Mackerel chasing bail. Look for the birds (early in the day).
The Florida Bay wrecks are still giving up a few Cobia but the action on the deeper Gulf wrecks seem to have slowed a bit. Jewfish (Goliath Grouper) are numerous around all of these wrecks and reports of some good Mangrove Snapper fishing have crossed my desk of late. Remember; don't bring the Jewfish into the boat for a photo as it is against the law. Kingfish action remains good in the Gulf with some big fish being taken from the grouper bar on live baits. The commercial action on the kings remains well to the west, north of Rebecca Channel. This action will end early this month.
Permit action on the flats has been on and off with the rise and fall of the water temperature. Some bonefish are being taken but mostly to the east. Shark action has been good and should only get better as the water clears and the temperatures rise. Tarpon action remains fairly slow but should improve with the weather. The main eastward migration of the silver kings will begin in early May.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing
Capt. Ralph Delph
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