SPRING IS SPRINGING
Capt. Ralph Delph
April 2, 2010
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The northern edge of the Gulfstream is approximately 15 miles south of Key West at the time of this report. However, a residual eastbound current exists from the northern edge of the stream to the face of the reef. This sets up a favorable condition for current rips and color changes in the 120 to 200 feet deep water. Translation; good conditions for SAILFISH, BLACKFIN TUNA, LITTLE TUNNY and DOLPHIN. This has been the situation for the past week and should continue for the next week or so. Live bait has been the best producers with trolled baits doing well. Bottom fishing seems to have slowed a bit but this may be due to the lack of interest due to the current closures. YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER action has improved over the last week or so, however reports indicate that the fish are less cooperative than normal. KINGFISH are thinning out as spring time water temperatures begin to rise. Most of these gamesters are being taken where the water temperatures are lower than the surrounding areas.
Inshore, the water remains very murky. I am not sure of the cause of the silt, but it appears to have similar characteristics of the silt that followed hurricane Wilma. It is easily agitated with only moderate winds and remains suspended for days and even weeks. This has slowed the inshore action and complicated the bait situation for some time.
The Gulf of Mexico has been producing some great GAG GROUPER action around most any structure. Although grouper are legal to take in the gulf during April, you may not keep them if you leave from and return to Monroe County during that time frame. Got to say it, (freeking NMFS). Support the senators that support flexibility in the Magnason, Stevens act.
On the flats, the water temperatures have finally risen above the 70 degree mark and should remain there for the rest of the year. PERMIT have been the mainstay activity with some tarpon beginning to show in the mullet muds. POMPANO and TROUT are still active in the basins along with large LADYFISH and JACKCREVALLE. SHARKS continue to provide good action as well. Some BONEFISH can be found, however, the recent cold water fish kill has taken a toll.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
Target Species:
SAILFISH, DOLPHIN, PERMIT
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