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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
March 2, 2002
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
I apologize for the long delay in filing my latest fishing report. We had a major computer crash but have finally overcome our problems.
Although the fishing was good through mid February, as we approached the full moon during the last half of the month, the winds increased and the fishing diminished. A large area of drab olive green water (possibly a residue of the red tide that recently plagued the gulf) has been present from Pelican Shoal to half way between Cosgrove light and the Tail End and from the islands to as much as 600’ of water, has dramatically impacted the fishing in the Key West area. A few small kingfish have been taken on a regular basis around the “end of the bar”. The bottom fishing in this area has been limited to a few yellowtail and only a few mutton snappers and even fewer groupers. It has been necessary to look to the waters of the Dry Tortugas for quality fishing. There, the kingfish have been more numerous with some of the fish running into the high 30’s. On a recent trip, Prescott Bigelow and Jim Peterson took a mixed bag of grouper and several muttons, four of which weighed between 18 ½# to just over 20#. Some large jack crevalles up to 30# are frequenting some of the wrecks. The large amberjacks are starting to show around some of these wrecks also. There have been some reports of a few sails east of American Shoals, but nothing like the run being experienced in the upper keys.
The gulf has been off limits to even the most hardy of fishermen due to the high winds and muddy water. I have heard of nothing from the north side, however March traditionally marks the beginning of the big cobia and kingfish fishery in the gulf. The permit will begin their spawning appearance and the blackfin tuna and bonito (little tunny) will be making their show behind the shrimp boats as the water clears.
The flats will be barren until the water temperature rises above the 70 degree mark again. There have been a few tarpon in the harbor and have been fairly cooperative for those fishing live baits deep as well as those using shrimp boat chum for bait. Look for those really big permit to make their show in the harbor in the next week or so.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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