Key West Fishing 04-20-16

As we reach the middle of the spring fishing season, we will be guiding more charters into the Gulf to fish for Blackfin Tuna. These Tuna, following the shrimp boats as they pull up net after net full of shrimp through the evening, anxiously await the morning disposal of bycatch overboard. Bycatch is the term that commercial fishermen use for the extra, unwanted species caught in their nets. The shrimp crew is happy to exchange this superfluous catch a case of beer. Our captains will use it for chum as well as cut some for bait. There is nothing more exciting than casting in the shrimp boats wake with a light tackle rod, trying to nab a Blackfin Tuna.

We'll also be motoring out to the deeper water on the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys for some bottom fishing this spring. At depths between 180 to 300 feet, we'll be fishing for Mutton Snapper at the undersea ledges in addition to the hard sea floor. We also may catch some American Red Snapper. May 1st also marks the opening of Grouper season.

We look forward to seeing you in Key West,

Captain Chris Garcia