Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
December 8, 2003
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Winter Bonefishing

Dec 8, 2003When I first started fishing the flats of the Atlantic basin some 20 years ago I was instructed to monitor the fluctuations in water temperatures. During the past two decades I have come to realize that Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit and other species have comfort zones, i.e. they like water temps in the high 70's to mid 80's best. If the water is warming up, then they can turn on, migrating from their deeper water homes into the shallows to feed. If the water is cooling down (as it does during the late fall, early winter), then they are migrating to deeper water where the thermoclines keep the water temps at a more consistent level. Bonefish, especially, will live and feed in the channels, deeper drop offs and basins when the temps are cooled off into the low 70's or cooler. If the water begins to warm, then some of the Bones will venture out of the depths and onto the warming flats to feed. Such was the case on Friday, Dec. 5. The above photo is of Dale Pflug of Tifton, Georgia who caught two Bonefish and his friend Jordan hooked a third Bonefish that got away. We started that day with water temps hovering around 70 degrees. Three hours later, when we caught the Bones, the water temp was up to 72.5. True to form, the Bonefish had sensed the warm up and wandered onto the flats.Fishing during the December-January months can be a bit cool for fish and anglers on the flats, but as long as you understand the tendencies and locations of the fish, then you have a chance to catch them during the warm up periods. Try fishing in between cold fronts when the winds begin to shift into the east-southeast. Mid-day fishing is usually best as the water is warming from the sun's rays.Baby Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish will be available in certain locations whenever you can find some clean, warm water. Otherwise, try fishing around the channels and drop offs for Jacks, Mackerel, Snapper or on the flats for Barracuda and Sharks. Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at [email protected]

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