Florida Keys Fishing Report week of 1/1/2018
Provided by:
http://www.IslamoradaSportFishing.com
(this report may be reproduced in any media format as long as credit is given to:www.islamoradasportfishing.com)

Offshore:
No reports from anyone running offshore this past week. The weather was beautiful for the week between Christmas and New Years and the reef has been so productive, why take the ride too far out. Of course a ride to the Islamorada Hump may be a good choice if you absolutely, positively must go offshore. The hump is where the Tuna live, but there has been very good Tuna action close to the reef these days.
Reefs:
Sailfish action has been great. Captain Benny Spaulding on his Play Baby out of Whale Harbor Marina released four Sailfish on Tuesday. Captain Don on the Kay K IV released two Sails also this past week. The King Mackerel bite has been good too. Captain Paul on the Reef Runner has fished the Kingfish several times this past week and has put a limit of King Mackerel on the dock most days. One trip Captain Paul took the Reef Runner out to 200 feet of water and found a current edge with a subtle color change. The net result was three Backfin Tuna weighing in from 32 to 35 pounds each. The Tuna ate slow trolled Ballyhoo. Captain Brian Cone on the Contagious has been finding Cobia and Sailfish and also getting some good Mutton Snapper fishing the reef down near Tennessee Light. Also, while ringing in the New Year, remember that Grouper season is closed January 1st.
Gulf and Bay:
The Gulf has been the place to find the best variety of species these days. The Spanish Mackerel action has been good and there have been lots of Snapper in the chum slick also. Captain Gary of Ivory Keys charters had a bang up trip in the Gulf with Mackerel, Trout, Snapper, Bluefish, Jacks and more. Captain Lou Brubaker fished the Gulf on Sunday and got into Spanish Mackerel that weighed heavy, needing to use a gaff on a few. Also, the Lane and Mangrove Snapper action was just great. The anglers just slowed down the retrieve on the jigs and the Snapper hit them deep. Captain Tim Klein found a couple of Cobia in the Gulf last week also.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Captain Bob Baker fished the Flamingo area last week and found Snook action just great. Bobs anglers released several Snook in the 8 to 12 pound range. Captain Bob found a good Snapper hole to get his clients dinner that evening. With the nice warm weather there have been some Tarpon caught both at the bridges and in the deep backcountry around Sandy Key and out at Cape Sable. Captain Vinnie Biondoletti got into some nice Redfish this week casting Shrimp into pot holes up in some shallow water.
CapMel Staff
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