Key West Fishing Reports

This weekend, our captains led some highly successful charters to the reef south of Key West. Since visibility in the waters surrounding the reef was low, plenty of Blacktip Reef Sharks mobbed the area hunting for Snappers.

We've been really excited about offshore conditions on the Atlantic side of Key West lately. The Gulf Stream has shifted unusually near the Keys, flowing only two miles away from the reef.

Capt. Tony guided our charter vessel, the Coolwater, on an excursion west of the Florida Keys. After finding an excellent spot twenty five miles west of Key West, he anchored near the reef's edge. Our clients pulled in Bonita, Cero Mackerel, and Yellowtail using live bait on light tackle rigs. Tony also utilized some kite fishing techniques. The party snagged a Sailfish as well as some King Mackerel, the largest tipping the scales at 35 pounds. The prized catch of this trip was also caught using the kite: a Hammerhead Shark weighing 225 pounds.

On Tuesday, the winds continued to blow out of the north, allowing us to guide charters to the Atlantic side of Key West. I led my clients south on the leeward side of the Keys for some slow trolling off the reef edge with live bait (Goggle Eyes and Blue Runners). My party managed to hook three Kingfish with the biggest trophy weighing 47 pounds. Wahoo have also been biting on live bait, although inconsistently; our anglers caught a 25-pounder and a 45-pounder this past week.

This past Sunday and Monday, since the winds were out of the east, our captain reported hooking three Sailfish in only a day and a half. When the winds have been right this winter, the Sailfish have been red hot. We've also seen some success with other Deep Sea species, such as Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Dorado. Our captains have been successful in depths of 120-foot to 180-foot using live bait on kite and drift.