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Key West Fishing Report - Offshore
Capt. Ralph Delph
December 31, 2003
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Water Conditions:
OFFSHORE: Temperature: 74 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Blue with a slight tinge of green. Although the Gulfstream has finally moved in close to the reef, it is still not the deep cobalt blue normally associated with the stream. Visibility around 70 feet.
REEF: Temperature: 73 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clear blue with a visibility of 70 feet
INSHORE: Temperature: 72 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Clearing with a tinge of off-color green
GULF: Temperature: 69 degrees.
Color and Clarity: Off-color near shore but clearing as you proceed offshore.
FISHING REPORT:
OFFSHORE: Sailfish have moved in with the Gulfstream with the best action to the east of Key West. Blackfin tuna have been active along with bonito however they have not reached their expected potential. Some wahoo are still being taken, however the best is yet to come, probably mid January to mid February. The smoker kings have started to show and 30# fish are common with some pushing the 50# mark. Bottom fishing remains good, however with the current from the stream moving in close to the reef, you may expect to have to work a little harder. The main action is with black grouper and red snapper, although the mutton snapper action has picked up. Carl Kildie from Miami hooked around 15 red snapper on 6# test before finally landing a potential world record 13 pounder. Red and scamp grouper continue to be cooperative as well.
REEF: Yellowtail snapper continue to highlight the action with 3 to 4 pound flags the norm. The bait crashing along the reef has slowed, however ciro mackerel continue to be active. Some surface amberjack action has begun to take place.
INSHORE: Jack Crevalle and small Spanish mackerel have been chasing bait along the face of the color change. This action may be located by the bird activity in Hawks Channel from Boca Grande to the Marquises. Surface plugs seem to be working best.
GULF OF MEXICO: The kingfish action on the rockpile has slowed, however smokers have been reported south of the “P” tower as well as Rebecca Channel. Some cobia reports have trickled in as well.
FLATS: The water temperature has been in the low 70’s and with the fair weather expected for the next week the shallow water boys should have a Happy New Year. Some reports of bonefish have filtered in and a few tarpon have been spotted as well.
That’s it for now. Tight lines and good fishing. Captain Ralph Delph
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