Southbound Sportfishing Key West report, Saltwater Fishing Report

Fishing is shaping as expected as the weather cools. Large schools of Ballyhoo, (bait fish), are attracting lots of hungry predators. The water is clear which is keeping some of the more desirable bottom dwellers less active, but lots of nice sized Cero Mackerel and Jacks are providing great action especially on spinning tackle. This time of year is a very exciting time to fish because in addition to the normal reef fish, Sailfish tend to come up shallow to feed on the schools of Ballyhoo too. It’s an incredible sight to see a single fish, or even groups of sailfish, chasing the ballyhoo in 15-20 ft of crystal clear water. I’ve seen pods of up to 8 fish at one time and they’re not usually boat shy so you can get within 10 ft at times. Because there is so much live bait on the reef, it’s sometimes difficult to get them to eat pitched bait. They’re full and there is so much bait to choose from, they sometimes don’t see the one we threw, but with so many opportunities, you’re going to get some takers. On Friday, we say about 20 Sails, We threw baits at about 9, we hooked 5 and we caught 2. This type of action should continue into January, (I hope!!)

703 Catherine St

About the Author:

Captain's Bio: I have over 25 yrs experience on the waters around Key West Fl and every day is still exciting to me. The great thing about fishing here is you never know what you'll see.

Sailfish, Sharks, Mackerel, Wahoo, Tuna, Dolphin, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper and more can all be caught in these waters and sometimes many in the same day! That's why fishing in Key West never get old.

In the winter months we use a lot of live bait and light tackle and we encourage a more "hands on" approach for the costumers that wish to. We prefer to teach you how to fish rather than just take you fishing.

One of the best compliments I ever received is when a group got off my boat and said they "didn't feel like they had gone on a fishing charter....the felt like they had been out fishing with friends"