KEY WEST FLATS FISHING

Keys Fishing Report - Fall 2009

Some of the best fishing is upon us now that we are heading into the fall and winter months. Permit and bonefish still roam the flats during the warm days, but as the water temps start to slowly come back down these fish will become more aggressive.

The tides can be perfect for wading and just for looking for tailing fish in very shallow water. The early morning is still good for baby tarpon, they are in a few select spots around the backcountry.

As one of the most explosive fishing times of the year, we can't forget the sharks or barracuda. Here's a good synopsis of our winter fishing in the Florida Keys:

During the months of December, January, and February, the flats of Lower Florida Keys can be crawling with life. As cold fronts pass, the "blue bird" days are right behind. Barracudas arrive to the warmer shallow water in search of bait fish. These fish can be taken with 10 lb spin tackle, or with a fly, and make long blistering runs interrupted by greyhounding jumps. The typical cuda weighs is approximately five to fifteen pounds, with the occasional fish in the twenties.

Sharks are another species that frequent the flats during the winter months. We tend to target Lemon, Bull, and Blacktip sharks that can range anywhere from ten to two hundred plus pounds, and can be caught on fifteen to twenty pound spin or fly as well. "You will know your alive, when a ten foot shark sticks his head out of the water to eat your bait, plug, or fly."

If you are heading to the Keys for your next holiday vacation please give us a call 305-294-3618 or email. We do have openings for flats fishing and can take up to two anglers per boat.

• We run 1/2, 3/4 and full day fishing trips - View our rates page for costs for a days fishing.
• We specialize in fly and light spin tackle from beginner to the advanced
• Sight cast to tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, sharks and many other species.
• Fly casting lessons available
• All tackle, bait and licensed provided
• All established and experienced professional flats fishing guides

Flats Fishing Seasons

TARPON FISHING IN KEY WEST

Tarpon fishing is by far the most popular fish to pursue in the springtime here in the Florida Keys. The fact is that depending on the weather patterns we may see tarpon as early as January, with some schools pushing through in February and March. If you are planning to pursue tarpon this season or next season please inquire with us. The season fills up close to a year in advance for us but we have a limited list of excellent professional fishing guides that we can refer you to. These guides are hand picked by us and have all been professional guides here in the Keys for years and on a full-time basis.

View some seasonal tarpon video with Capt. Bobby Paulson

FALL BONEFISHING (plus Permit & BABY TARPON TOO)

There are still a few kept secrets about the fishing here in the Keys. One of them is the abundance of bonefish and permit available on the flats throughout the late summer and fall months. The tides will also sometimes give us the opportunity to wade for tailing fish as we watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Although our tropical weather can be a factor, it has been fairly calm the last two seasons. It is worth coming if you have time to get away. There are no crowds, the wind is generally light and the seas are calm. It is perfect for any level of angler.

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