Marathon FL Keys Report
Capt. Bob Brown
January 3, 2013
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sailfish have been biting in the middle Keys area along with some Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo and a few Mahi this week. Best areas have been from Duck Key to Tennessee Reef area and NE of there to Alligator reef light. Atlantic side deep wrecks have been producing good numbers of Blackfin Tuna, Amberjack, Mutton Snapper and King Mackerel. A few sharks have been showing up as well around deeper structure. The tuna bite offshore at the Marathon west hump has been good but so has the sharks. The last couple trips to the humps saw sharks eating most of the larger tunas hooked up so shark fishing has taken over lately on these locations. Dusky's up to 200lb and other species have been showing up in the west hump area.
Reef fishing in the middle keys has been producing nice yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, plenty of mackerel, kingfish and grouper. Remember, all grouper have to be released until May 1st here in Monroe county.
Snapper and Mackerel have been hot in FL bay and some nice Cobia have been showing up on both sides of the islands but some of the wrecks in the gulf more than 12 miles out have had consistent numbers of cobia lately. Some huge King mackerel have also been out in the gulf side around wrecks. A decent sized live blue runner would be a good bait for one of these large smokers.
Tarpon are showing up a bit at the local bridges but mostly just resident fish right now in the 10-40lb range. After dark is best for them and casting plugs have been working great. Pick a calm night and try your favorite bridge. Tom's harbor and Vaca Cut have been good lately.
Marathon Fishing Forecast:
So look for hot bites in January up and down the Keys on Sailfish, King Mackerel, Cobia, Mutton Snapper, Amberjack and plenty more. Warm weather spells should produce good numbers of Mahi and Wahoo along with Blackfin Tuna. And plenty of sharks around too for you shark hunters out there..... Good luck in all your fishing adventures!
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