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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
February 14, 2001
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The fishing in Key West has been so good over the past two weeks that it is hard to decide which way to turn when leaving the harbor, and I expect it to only get better as the spring species prepare to enter the picture. There has been a slow down on the blackfin tuna action but it should be only temporary as the Gulfstream appears to be moving in close to the reef, especially to the west of Cosgrove light. The water is showing a deep blue color and the surface water temperature has been around 76 degrees on the reef line. Though the wind has caused the water to become a bit turbid inside the reef, the water offshore and in the gulf has remained quite clear and favorable for the species that are now being taken.
Sailfish are again showing up in good numbers, especially for those using live bait. They have been running fairly large with some fish estimated into the 80# plus class. Kingfish have been in abundance in the area of Western Dry Rocks, with some fish into the 25 to 30 pound range. Wahoo have been scarce, but that could change as the blue water moves in. Yellowtail snapper have thinned out a little, but that seems to be the norm for February, as the kings find them a favorite prey. Bottom fishing has been outstanding with daily catches boasting mutton snapper up to nearly 20# and an abundance of red snapper averaging around 12 to 15 pounds each. Large red, scamp and black grouper have been cooperative as well. Steve Richards recently brought in a 41# black grouper on light tackle. Cero mackerel have been active over the reefs as well as some large jack crevalle.
Inshore, the tarpon have started their annual show in the harbor and those fishing for the silver kings have taken some cobia. Large permit should be making their appearance in the harbor soon and these fish should be the early giants that range up to and over 40 pounds. This type of fishing is a good alternative on those windy days.
The gulf has been yielding full limits of large kingfish up to and over 45 pounds. These fish are eating most anything offered and artificials on light tackle can give you a rewarding day of sportfishing. The north wind has kept most fishermen from venturing very far to the north, however with the winds shifting to the southeast, expect some cobia to start showing up at the docks over the next few days.
The water on the flats has been around 76 degrees, and barracuda and large sharks have been in abundance, providing excellent action on these windy days. If permit and tarpon have been on the flats, it has been a well kept secrete. The flats boats have been looking, but I have not heard of any catching.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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