Returning to Normal Pattern
Capt. Ralph Delph
February 12, 2009
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
Now that the winds have finally subsided, and the Gulfstream has moved a little further offshore, winter fishing should get back to a more normal pattern. The stream has been so tight to the reef that anything but pelagic species has been hard to find. Offshore, SAILFISH, BLACKFIN TUNA, BONITO, DOLPHIN and a few WAHOO have been the mainstay and the action has varied over the past week from good to excellent. However, any bottom fishing has been nearly impossible due to the current. East bound at nearly 3 knots, it has kept even the most experienced fishermen, fishing the surface. That is in the process of changing. With the shift of the stream to the south, The pelagics are still here and the bottom species are responding well. RED and MUTTON SNAPPER as well as BLACK GROUPER are in good supply, while RED, GAG and SCAMP GROUPER have been scattered but reliable. YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER are responding to the reef fishermen now that the current has slowed. KINGFISH action has not really been as hot this year as in past years, however with the colder northern water temperatures, I expect an increase in activity over the next week.
All waters to the north of the reef line has been rather murky to very muddy as well as very cold. As the water clears over the next week, look for KINGFISH action to get red hot in the Gulf, especially along the grouper bar. We should have some large smokers and good action.
Inshore, expect very slow to no action until the water temperature gets back above 70 degrees. A few days like we are about to have over this coming week end could make a big difference. Check with your local guides.
That's it for now. Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Ralph Delph
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