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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
April 21, 2002
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Spring has sprung, and the fishing in Key West is back in full swing. The black water or red tide or what ever it is, has dissipated with the exception of a relatively small area to the north of Smith Shoal and that is beginning to show signs of cleaning up.
On the south side, the sea surface temperature is around 79 degrees and the north edge of the Gulfstream is close to the reef near American Shoal light and continues to the southwest. The current is strong eastbound and deep blue where is meets a slight color change near the reef. Sailfish have been abundant along that color change. Dolphin are being taken in good numbers in the blue water along the change and the further offshore that you go, the larger the dolphin you will find. Forty pounders are not uncommon. The water on the reef is relatively clear and the yellowtailing has been a little slow. The muttons are showing signs of gathering for their annual spawn and will suffer the wrath of anglers as some fishermen take advantage of the situation. Bottom fishing has slowed a little since a recent flurry of great grouper fishing. Bag limits of grouper can still be taken by those willing to put in the time.
Permit fishing is in full swing and have been a target of fishermen from the outer reefs to the inshore wrecks and flats as well as the wrecks in the gulf. Most permit have been taken on live crabs, however yellow nylon jigs and even flies are taking their toll. This action should continue for some time to come.
The gulf is alive with blackfin tunas and bonitos and those fishing behind the shrimp boats have returned to the docks with sore muscles and fishing tales of non-stop action. This action should continue for about a month before it fades for the summer. The jewfish are still a plague around the gulf wrecks and should be there throughout the summer.
The flats are alive with permit, bonefish, cudas and sharks. Tarpon have not made their main appearance as of yet, though it should start in early May and continue through June. Some tarpon are being taken on the flats, however most of the action centers around Key West harbor and the channels surrounding it.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Capt. Ralph Delph
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