FLA KEYS FISHING REPORT | 1.22.13
Capt. Jason Long
January 22, 2013
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
By: www.bestbetsportfishing.com
Did you know that on January 24th the world celebrated "Beer Can Appreciation Day?"
Apparently this is the date when we commemorate the first day beer was sold in cans (Krueger's Finest) in 1935. I'll be honest; until this week I had no idea such a day existed. I'm not sure who the genius was that created this wonderful holiday, but I'll be happy to help him celebrate in the years to come.
Now on to the fishing…
This week the wahoo bite once again stole the show in the Middle Keys, with high-speed trolling producing several big fish upwards of 50 pounds! Live baiting also produced excellent results, with both techniques hooking the majority of fish between 200 and 250 feet of water.
While the wahoo fishing has been excellent, the sailfishing has not yet reached its full potential. Last week's Islamorada Presidential Sailfish Tournament showed that there are sailfish out there to be caught (23 boats released 104 fish over the three day event), but the big schools haven't arrived just yet. Congratulations to the anglers and crew of Viva La Vida for winning the tournament with nine sailfish releases.
Captain Ariel Medero of Big Game Sportfishing in Marathon (www.biggamesportfish.com) has been enjoying great success high-speed trolling for wahoo. Shown here, angler Paul (left) and first-mate Reed pose with a big wahoo caught in the Middle Keys last week.
On the deep reef, the yellowtail snapper action has been red hot. Our best success has been fishing in depths of 60 to 90 feet of water, with several flags making their way into the fish box last week.
On the patches, the mangrove snapper bite has been good in 20 to 40 feet of water, with best results coming on live pilchards fished on jigheads. In addition, the patch reefs continue to offer consistent rod-bending action for cero mackerel. If you're getting cut off while targeting mangroves, tie on a stretch of wire and enjoy some light tackle cero action. Cero mackerel are loads of fun on eight to ten-pound test outfits.
(From left) Captain Jason Long, Aaron, Bobby, Jarrod, and Captain Mike, show off their impressive catch of yellowtail snapper caught aboard the Best Bet. The yellowtail snapper fishing has been excellent on the deep reef.
Over in the Gulf of Mexico the cobia action continues to be incredible. Several boats fished the deep Gulf wrecks last week and limited out on big cobias, while releasing several more. Also in the Gulf, we're catching good numbers of big kingfish, Spanish mackerel, snapper, and grouper.
In the backcountry waters of Everglades National Park the mild winter has meant excellent fishing for a variety of species. Head to the backcountry for your shot at redfish, snook, small tarpon, permit, sharks, jacks, and more!
Your Best Bet for the Week Ahead: Wahoo Fishing!
The wahoo bite has been as good as I've seen it in some time. Whether trolling, live baiting, or jigging, get out the wahoo rigs and head out to target these wonderful fish.
The Best Bet Sportfishing Fleet is located in Key Colony Beach, FL @ mm 54. To book a trip call Capt Jason Long at 305.395.1376, or visit www.bestbetsportfishing.com.
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