Marathon, Florida Keys

Capt. Bob Brown
September 29, 2003
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report

Sardines = Sailfish

The offshore fishing around the middle keys has seen an influx of schools of Spanish Sardines lately and the Sailfish have been right there with them. Some large schools of Sardines have been around the reef areas of the middle keys and even is as close as the islands lately as some guides have been able to catch some for live baits. The schools of Sardines usually ball up in tight schools off of the reef edge during daylight hours and the gamefish like King Mackerel and Sailfish are usually close by. Some Sailfish action has been going on off of Marathon around the schools of Sardines. If you can't get some live Sardines for bait, live Pilchards are similar in size and should provide a good substitute. Look for diving gulls or frigate birds and be ready to pitch live baits to the sails when you spot them. Look for Sailfish to hang around as long as the schools of baitfish are in the area in good numbers. The numbers of Sailfish should be increasing as fall wears on and tournament time comes around in November.

Some medium sized schoolie Dolphin have been in the area also lately. Look for weed lines and floating debris to target Mahi's this time of year. Some will show up on the reef edge also after southerly winds.

The reef action has been excellent at night for Mangrove and Yellowtail Snapper with a few nice Black Grouper mixed in as well. The daylight bite has been good on tails lately too. Best areas have been off of Key Colony Beach in 60-90ft. of water.

Lots of great fishing to be had this time of year in the Florida Keys! For more info on fishing in the Marathon and middle Keys, check out our website!

Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!

Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.

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