Offshore The mahi bite slowed a bit during the week but good size mahi are still to be had when concentrating on the bigger trophy fish. The tuna bite continues to be good catching nice sized tuna in the 10-15 pound class trolling feathers. The billfish bite so far is the best I have seen this early for several years. We have raised and released several blue marlin and one white marlin yesterday on a combination of live bait and a few Marlin Bost lures. Colors "matching the hatch" are what is working well for us.
Reefs
The yellowtail and mangrove snapper bite has been good depending on current and water quality. Large grouper can be found just about anywhere with good structure.
Sailfish are spotty at best. The tailing conditions were more prevalent in Key West than the Upper or Middle Keys.
Flats and Back Country
The action is tarpon, sharks and permit. An incredible amount of tarpon are making the Keys home now and multiple releases are the norm. This past week with a client from Missouri we released 4 tarpon out of 7 in the 90-130 pound class with a variety of baits. While fishing for tarpon we happened upon a large 400# plus tiger shark and hooked into the bruin for 15 minutes before the light line snapped. The tiger was estimated at 12-14 feet in length in 7 feet of water!
Permit are on the wrecks in good numbers but best when water is relatively flat as these are the finicky fish of the flats. Snapper and trout are to be found in good numbers in the back country near the islands.
If you want to book a charter with is call 305-509-7745 or 414-379-5066 or find is on the web www.upperkeyssportfishing.com.
We live up to our motto "we put you on big fish with fly, light or conventional tackle"
The yellowtail and mangrove snapper bite has been good depending on current and water quality. Large grouper can be found just about anywhere with good structure.
Sailfish are spotty at best. The tailing conditions were more prevalent in Key West than the Upper or Middle Keys.
Flats and Back Country
The action is tarpon, sharks and permit. An incredible amount of tarpon are making the Keys home now and multiple releases are the norm. This past week with a client from Missouri we released 4 tarpon out of 7 in the 90-130 pound class with a variety of baits. While fishing for tarpon we happened upon a large 400# plus tiger shark and hooked into the bruin for 15 minutes before the light line snapped. The tiger was estimated at 12-14 feet in length in 7 feet of water!
Permit are on the wrecks in good numbers but best when water is relatively flat as these are the finicky fish of the flats. Snapper and trout are to be found in good numbers in the back country near the islands.
If you want to book a charter with is call 305-509-7745 or 414-379-5066 or find is on the web www.upperkeyssportfishing.com.
We live up to our motto "we put you on big fish with fly, light or conventional tackle"
