Key West and Lower Keys

Capt. Dexter Simmons
March 5, 2004
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

March Winds and Permit Angling

March 5, 2004The March winds have dominated the weather pattern here in the Keys during the past week. Die-hard Permit fishermen love windy days because the Great Pompano are less spooky. Shots at Permit on windy days are usually close to the boat with casts no longer that forty feet and often as close as fifteen feet or less. The winds require the angler to maintain vigilant line control. The fly must be presented in front of the Permit's head within a foot on the up-current side in order for the fish to see the fly. If the fly is presented carefully in the Permit's vision zone, then usually the fish will react. If the reaction is to eat the fly, then the angler must be prepared. Angler preparation spells LINE CONTROL. Slack line is the kiss of death in Permit fishing. The angler must be "tight to the fly" with his line. The rod tip must be down at the surface of the water, the line must be stripped to eliminate slack. NOT STRIPPED TO MOVE THE FLY. When the Permit eats the fly, then the angler will feel the tug, or the angler will see the fish open its mouth to eat, dip down and eat, or "flash on the fly" to eat. A long, slow slack mending strip will set the hook and the fight will commence. This is a favorite time of year for anglers to visit the Keys. Permit are Marching, Tarpon are rolling and Bonefish are schooling. If you have time to "get away", now is the time to do it.Casting from the foredeck of "FlatsMaster" in THE CAGE gives anglers additional height and stability so they may easily spot fish in the clear, shallow waters of the Keys. March is generally brings some great catches of Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish, so plan your trip now. Tarpon like the one above landed by Louis Eagle, will be pushing through Keys waters regularly from now through June.Permit are Marching in big numbers from now through early April. Bonefish will be schooling and readily available as the water temps rise to the mid to high 70's. 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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