Key Largo to Key West
Includes Islamorada and Marathon

Feb. 5-7

Keys Wide Forecast

Last Tuesday was Ground Hog Day. A quick review of the last few weeks’ worth of forecasts tells me that it’s been more like “Ground Hog Year” than day. Each weekend has been met by shifting winds and this weekend will be no different. Of course we can all revel in the fact that we are talking about conditions in the Keys instead of the frozen tundra. I’m sure we can find scores of anglers north of our border that would trade our worst day for their best. I think I’ll stick to what we have here and be glad that we have multiple options for fishing, not to mention all the other outdoor activities on our doorsteps.

Last week we had the Pro Bowl, this week the Super Bowl and next week the Daytona 500! Throw in the Miami Boat Show and a few fishing tournaments and I’d say we hit the Perfecta!

Let’s take a look at the bay for starters. Florida Bay consists mainly of the waters north of Key Largo and extends westward to the Middle Keys. Monroe County borders both the north and south side of Florida Bay and includes the Everglades. I’ve had several clients that came to Key West because of the conditions they found in the Everglades. I’m still getting reports of cold water, floating fish and less than desirable conditions on the north side of Florida Bay. Considering that we are expecting to have another cold front move in to the area this weekend, you might be better off changing your plans for at least another week.

Gulf side of the Keys is typically referenced as the waters north of Marathon and stretching westward of the Dry Tortugas. You’ll find that fishing the Gulf of Mexico waters is easiest to reach when departing from docks in the Lower Keys and Keys West. Fishing the Gulf also means longer runs to get to deeper water. Let’s say you leave Key West and want to fish the Gulf wrecks, most of which lie in depths greater than 60 feet. You are looking at an average run of 20 to 30 miles depending on the route you take.

Keep in mind the wind will be coming from the north this weekend; make sure you plan for the conditions. With the wind being from the north, the channels and passes can be small-boater’s nightmare on an incoming tide. Last weekend I made the trip north into similar conditions in my 30-foot Hydrocat and it took us almost 3 hours to get to our first spot 27 miles from the end of the Northwest Channel.

If you do make the trip, it could be worth it. The wrecks in the deep Gulf water (40 to 60 miles out) are holding schools of big kingfish and cobia. Almost every wreck will be covered up in mangrove snapper (between 4 and 8 pounds), and of course you’ll have to deal with the grouper. Keep in mind that shallow water grouper are now closed in all Florida waters.

Looking south of the islands, fishing gets a little easier. One of the alluring attractions to the Keys for anglers is being able to fish regardless of the conditions. This weekend will fit those criteria.

From Key Largo to Marathon, the sailfishing continues to be hot. Conditions will be in your favor this weekend to get out and catch your first sailfish (or maybe your 100th). Saturday and Sunday will be perfect conditions to get out and kite fish for these sporty predators. If you aren’t into kite fishing, you will still do well to either drift or bump troll live baits on the edge of the reef. Look to target the bait sprays over the reef or to work the near edge depths between 100 and 190 feet.

Fishing the reef for snapper continues to be productive. Yellowtails have been eating just about anything presented in a chum slick from 55-85 feet. Mutton snapper have also been holding in these depths as they look for baits that have made it to the bottom. Be prepared to release grouper that will be taking baits meant for muttons. It’ll also be a good idea to keep live bait on the surface, rigged with a trace of wire for mackerel.

The Lower Keys and Key West are also holding sails, but it’s hard to say in how large a number. Kings have moved out to the reef and are taking most baits meant for sailfish. If you plan on targeting sails in the Lower Keys this weekend you should also plan for re-rigging when the kings show up.

conchyjoe2000@msn.com | www.conchyjoeskw.com

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