As the weather changes, so does the fishing
Capt. Ralph Delph
May 4, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
My gosh! Frontal systems in May, 30 knot north winds, 76 degree water on the flats, major algae blooms. What in the world is going on? Off shore, the Gulfstream remains well to the south. Although the water color looks great the sailfishing remains fair with some areas giving up more fish than others. Current is not the answer as there is little to be found. Some slight color changes can be found as the outgoing tide carries the dirty water and forms rips with the deep blue offshore water. A few dolphin in the teens have been showing up when the wind shifts to the east or southeast. Far to the west, large Kingfish in the 25 to 30 pound class have been falling for live bait in good numbers. These fish are in the 200 to 220 feet range. Some large Blackfin tuna are being caught here as well.
Bottom fishing has been off in the deeper water with Scampe grouper being the main stay. Blacks and Reds have been harder to find. Large numbers of Amberjacks have plagued the deeper reefs for those looking for the other bottom dwellers. Mutton snapper remain strong, however those taken lately show very ripe roe. Indications are that the spawn will be on the next full moon. I hope the Feds wise up and stop the sale of muttons during this time so that those exploiting them under the guise of sportfishing will stop taking advantage of this loop hole. Yellowtails remain strong along the reefs with some good catches of big flags.
Inshore, the patches continue giving up small Muttons and Yellowtails along with some nice Red and Black groupers. A few Ciro mackerel have been taken there as well.
The Gulf wrecks have picked up a little for Mangrove snappers with some running in the 4 pound class. Permit are showing around the wrecks when the wind is not out of the north. The Blackfin tunas have been on and off behind the shrimp boats, however they have been 65 miles N.W. of Key West. The inevitable Goliath groupers continue to infest every wreck ranging from babies of 10# to the giants, well over 300 pounds.
The shallow water boys should be happy this week with the winds moderating and the new moon pushing some big tides. Expect the first of the ocean side migration of tarpon. The silver king has been in good supply in the harbor and basins but now comes the big push. This should make the die hard Permit and Bonefishermen happy as many of the flats boats will be heading out in search of the big schools of tarpon along the outer islands.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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