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Marathon, Florida Keys
Capt. Bob Brown
August 31, 2003
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Bite at Night!
Traditionally, the late summer offshore fishing in the Keys is a "keep the boat moving" time of year. Trolling for Dolphin offshore during the day to make your own breeze is usually the norm. Nice catches of Dolphin have been coming in along with some large Wahoo including a 79lb. fish recently 17 miles out off of Marathon. Some Marlin have also been reported from offshore as well near the west hump. Along with some Swords at night about 6 miles SW of the hump. Night fishing may be more to the liking this time of year to escape the hot sun especially when reef, wreck, or bayside fishing around the Keys.
Mangrove Snapper fishing should be heating up at night right now along with the Yellowtails. You will find most resident fishermen that reef fish this time of year venturing out just before sundown and getting established on their favorite Snapper hole just before dark. The fish seem to prefer night time for feeding and it is much easier on the anglers as well. Good night lights are a must on your boat along with good knowledge of where the shallows are so you don't end up high and dry at 11PM.
Tarpon fishing is also an alternative this time of year and is great action at night without going out to the reef. Fish run a bit smaller this time of year, but some great action can be found along the Keys. The bridge channels are a good place to start, but don't count out the beaches on the ocean side of the Keys as Tarpon migrate along the shorelines. The large sandbar off of Key Colony Beach is a good place to look for schools of Tarpon on the move along with other shallow areas off of Grassy Key and Boot Key. Tarpon will eat a variety of things and a favorite bait at night is large plugs such as "Bomber Long-A's" casted and retrieved. Live baits are good too, pinfish, blue crabs and finger mullet will work.
Keep you eyes out when night fishing off the Keys as you never know when someone might have a light problem on their boat and still have to make it home.
Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
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