Florida Keys Fishing Report
Find out where the fish are running with our weekly fishing reports from the Florida Keys, Miami Offshore and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

By Islamorada Sport Fishing
Posted Sunday, February 21, 2010

 
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Related info:
Florida Keys Fishing Reports

Offshore:
Not one, but two frontal systems pushed through the Keys this past week. So,
suffice it to say, very little chatter was heard on the subject blue water fishing.
It certainly could be a profitable move to make the run off to one of the hump's on
the infrequent calm day usually as the breeze swings to the South just before a
front. The Amberjack and Blackfin Tuna only need the right current conditions to
make your day.

Reefs:
Sailfish action is still terrific. The recent "Gridiron Greats Billfish Bowl"
hosted by former coach Jimmy Johnson and Mike Ditka was held the two days before
the super bowl from "The Big Chill" resort in Key Largo. The winning boat was the
Reel McCoy, with a day one total of 14 Sails released and a day two total with 13
Sails released making the two day tally 27 Sailfish released. Otherwise, the King
Mackerel bite is going on strong, with fish up to 30 pounds common. Also on the
reef there is a good population of Wahoo that will inhale a slow trolled "big Bait'
deep or on the surface.

Gulf and Bay:
It is all about the Mackerel in the Gulf also, but it is the little cousin of the
Oceanside King Mackerel, the Spanish Mackerel of Gulf waters that draws all the
attention of light tackle anglers. Capt. Rich Burson out of the World Wide
Sportsman docks reported a great day on the Mackerel and a bonus of two Cobia that
gobbled up "big Baits' intended for Sharks. Capt. Rich reported that the Cobia ate
live Jack Crevalle on a circle hook on the bottom. Conversely, it would be a good
idea to float a live Crab near the surface for either Cobia or Permit while keeping
busy with the Mackerel. Look for Mangrove Snapper and Sea Trout while on the
Mackerel grounds also.

Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Bonefish activity continues to please flats anglers on the Oceanside of Islamorada.
Poling or dead baiting has been resulting in Bonefish releases with fish up to 10
pounds reported. The annual "Swamp Guides Ball" was held last week with a smaller
field of boats than usual. The all release tournament consisted of 76 anglers on 38
boats. There were four Bonefish, nine Snook and 45 Redfish released. Capt. Steve
Thomas guided Ron Baker and Lloyd Wruble to victory with one Bonefish, three Redfish
and one Snook. This year teams were limited to one Bonefish and one Snook due to
the recent hard cold snap fish had to endure.