Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
October 23, 2000
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Are you Prepared to Fly Fish in the Keys?

Let's talk about expectations in this report. Sure, you want to catch alot of fish or a Grand Slam (Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit on fly in the same day), EVERYONE DOES. So, before we go out hunting for the fish on the flats, let me ask you a few questions. Are you prepared to cast 60-80 feet in windy conditions? Are you able to see fish under water without difficulty? Have you ever fought a saltwater fish that takes you into your backing and takes 20 minutes or more to land?Keys Bonefish and Permit are bigger than most caught in the Bahamas or Belize or most other locations. With the one exception of Bimini, the world records for Bonefish on fly have been caught in the Keys. The reason for this is probably because of the habitat and the smaller numbers of "schoolie" Bones found in Keys waters.Most anglers come to the Keys with some expectations derived from fishing in other locations or from magazine articles or books they've read. It is a great idea to read copious info. about the fishing you are going to do before you do it, just so you get a feel of what to expect. There are always some angler expectations for big fish in the Keys, and this is usually substantiated by the bite or at least by the fish seen that an angler has shots at. But the Keys are nothing like the other locations when it comes to huge schools of "schoolie Bones", the 1-3 pound fish that invade the Bahamas sand flats in grey clouds or that create huge muds on the grass flats. This just does not happen in the Keys with any regularity. No, the shots you get here in the Keys are for BIG BONES, either tailing solo on the turtle grass flats or cruising with their buddies in pods of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and once in awhile ten to thirty. BUT, THEY ARE BIG! MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT! The average Bone in the Keys is 6-7 pounds, much bigger than most of the Bones caught in the Bahamas.The Big Bonefish of the Keys range from the average 6-7 pounds to double digit fish in the 10-15 pound class. They are tackle busters those double digit fish! Lift your rod too quickly on the take and good by fish, fly and tippet! Too loose a drag and hello black tip shark, goodbye Bonefish (or Permit), fly, tippet. They will test your angling abilities to the Nth degree. (for more on Big Bones see www.keywestflyfishing.com/ffamer.htm) In the Keys, good fly fishing for these Big Bones and their cousins the Permit means getting good shots at them, and catching one or two. You count the "opportunities" or "shots" at fish and with skill and some luck you will catch a few. BUT, IF YOUR SKILL LEVEL IS NOVICE OR INTERMEDIATE IN SIGHTING FISH, CASTING TO FISH OR FIGHTING BIG FISH, THEN YOU WILL NEED MORE THAN YOUR SHARE OF LUCK TO BE CATCHING BONES AND PERMIT ON FLY IN THE KEYS. This is a "learned activity" with learned skills that take alot of practice to master. Only the most practiced anglers catch Grand Slams on fly. So, if that is your goal, then practice, practice, practice your casting, your vision to sight fish, and your ability to fight big fish. As we approach November, Bonefish and Permit should continue to be available, once the winds subside into a more normal October cooling trend. With a new moon spring tide coming up, I expect that the dirty water will clear out by the next weekend and we should have excellent fishing by Monday or Tuesday (Oct. 30-31). In the meantime, there are plenty of new flys to tie and fish tails to ponder!

Of course we are still in the best season for Bonefish and fall Permit, so if you have any spare time to fish, don't hesitate to make your way to the Keys. There are some great flats for tailing Bonefish and Permit in the Keys backcountry.

. There are also some baby Tarpon out there that are very willing to help you complete the Grand Slam. Before you travel to the Keys for some great fall Bonefish and Permit action, call Capt. Dexter Simmons for a live report 305-745-3304. Tight Lines and Screaming Reels!

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