Cooler Temps Sparks Hot Action
Capt. Ralph Delph
December 7, 2008
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
As the temperatures begin to fall and the winter winds begin to increase, we are ready to begin another season of fishing in fabulous Key West. The water temperatures are already into the lower seventies, something that didn't happen last year, until mid winter and lasted only a few days. We are seeing some great WAHOO fishing with some boats returning with full bag limits. BLACKFIN TUNA have been in good supply on the ocean side as well. Some SAILFISH have been taken on live bait while targeting the afore mentioned species. The Gulfstream has moved a little further offshore, allowing the deep water bottom anglers a chance to ply their skills. With that said, this looks like what could be the best MUTTON SNAPPER year that I have ever seen in all of my years on the water. It has been hard to get away from the muttons in order to catch a few grouper before the season grouper season closes on January 1, 2009. We have been releasing 10 to 20 muttons per day. Remember, GROUPER season will be closed from January 1, 2009, until May 1,2009.
The reef line is looking good, as the first of the big CIRO MACKEREL begin to show and the YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER action continues outstanding. Some schools of JACK CREVALLE have been seen patrolling the edge of the reef as well as Hawks Channel. There have been no reports of SPANISH MACKEREL or KINGFISH thus far, however with the dropping water temperatures, that action should pick up very soon. Expect COBIA to begin showing around the western and gulf wrecks as well.
All in all, it is looking like we are in for a great winter season. This is the best start that we have seen in many a year. I have no reports from the Gulf or flats as yet, however I hope to have those covered in my next report.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
UPDATE : DECEMBER 9, 2008
The Gulfstream has moved back in closer to the reef, yet not close enough to affect the bottom fishery. WAHOO, SAILFISH and BLACKFIN TUNA are back in the picture as well as small KINGFISH. Capt Robbie Delph has been working the pelagic species with good success while Capt Billy Delph has been devastating the bottom dwellers as well as some of the surface species with flat lines and live bait. Add RED SNAPPERS to the abundant species list as everyone has been catching their limit of the pink beauties. It is now looking like one of the best years in over a decade. If you need proof, just click on www.delphfishingcharters.com and checkout "PICTURES LAST WEEK".
Target Species:
Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Sailfish, Red and Mutton Snapper
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