We’ve had a chilly winter by South Florida standards, with day time temperatures consistently in the 60’s. However, spring is right around the corner and we should start to see the first tarpon schools arrive in the Lower Keys this month. As for now, winter fishing remains in full swing and I’ve been staying busy with both inshore and offshore trips. Key West, is open to tourists and there are still mask and occupancy rules in most businesses. In November, Key West citizens voted in favor of 3 charter amendments, placing heavy restrictions on the types of cruise ships allowed to dock in Key West. If these amendments hold up against legislation in Tallahassee, there would be an enormous decrease in cruise ship traffic in Key West harbor; regardless of how Covid disrupts the industry. This should have a positive impact on the fishery around the Lower Keys
Anna with a Blackfin Tuna
Barracuda
The offshore bite has been hit or miss this winter. When the conditions get right, there’s been some of everything around, like blackfin tunas, sailfish, wahoo and mahis. I have been catching most of my fish with live pilchards or ballyhoos. On the good days, all the action has been under the frigate birds. When the offshore fishing slows up, the reef fishing has been producing its usual winter variety, like mutton snappers, cobia, kingfish and plenty of other species. I’ve brought the fly rod on some offshore trips this winter and we’ve caught a few nice fish on fly. We still use live baits to bring the fish to boat and cast the fly at your targeted species, once it’s in range.
Lower Keys Snook
On the really cold days, fishing in the backcountry has been challenging, when our water temperature gets into the low 60’s, we do not see much on flats. On the warmer days, there are still bonefish around and we’ve caught them in 67 degree water. As usual, Barracudas have been our main winter species and there have been some big fish on the flats. They are fun fish on a light spin gear and they eat a lot of different types of artificial lures. On our colder days, we have found a few redfish and snook around the mangroves. We do not have a large population down here, but it is a way to change it up from barracuda fishing on cold days.
Bonefish