Florida Keys Fishing Report week of 10/30/17
Provided by:
http://www.IslamoradaSportFishing.com
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Offshore:
The Bluewater fishing should decline this time of year with the frontal boundaries blowing through the Keys, but there have still been some good catches of Dolphin reported. Captain Don Chittick on the Kay K IV out of Whale Harbor Marina had a nice day offshore and caught a full box of Dolphin including several that needed gaffed. We are still in our slow business time of year and the perception that Hurricane Irma has the upper keys out of business is just not true. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and dive and fishing charter boats available for anyone who needs a Keys vacation.
Reefs:
The reef fishing is very good according to current reports. The Yellowtail Snapper action is good along the reef in 60 to 80 feet of water. This is the time of year when the Mutton Snapper bite gets good as the Muttons frequent the live bottom areas just outside the reef in 90 to 140 feet of water. In that same depth look for the King Mackerel to show up and basically inhabit the same territory as the Sailfish. Charter captains like to fish this duo by live bait slow trolling. Keeping two baits up on top and two deep with lead. Incidental catches of Grouper, Cobia and African Pompano is a distinct possibility.
Gulf and Bay:
There was a front that moved through the area last week and the wind picked up big time for a few days. That is OK as this is the signal that our seasons are changing. Water is cooling, and bait fish are migrating into the area. In the Bay there will be good catches of Mangrove Snapper. In the near Gulf the Spanish Mackerel have made their early appearance and that action will get nothing but better as weeks pass. While on the anchor for the mackerel look for Trout, Snapper, Jacks and Cobia also.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
All of the usual productive areas in Flamingo should be producing these days. Snake Bight channel and up in the island moats. Look for Baby Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Drum, Sheepshead and Snapper to be available. The local tackle shops have had good supplies of live Shrimp and Pinfish, so load up with bait and go fish. There are reports of some Tarpon and Permit around the bridges in the channels west of Islamorada. Drifting a live Crab under a float with the tide may prompt the bite on either species.
CapMel Staff
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