Key Largo to Key West
Includes Islamorada and Marathon

July 3-6

Keys Wide Summary

Happy Independence Day America!!

As you prepare for your weekend of fishing and boating, don’t forget to spare some room for safety and common sense. Fireworks in the Keys give great access to view displays from the water, and this 4th of July won’t be any different. If your plans include enjoying your favorite adult beverage while watching the “rockets red glare” this weekend, make sure you have a designated driver both ashore and afloat. Local law enforcement has planned a push to keep boaters dry this weekend in order to keep everyone safe.

Last week’s mixed up weather was met by mixed results for anglers fishing Keys waters both inshore and offshore. Tarpon fishing was as close to a sure bet as you could get, and still is, followed closely by snapper on/over the reef. Looking to south in the bluewater, the dolphin bite slowed some but anglers exchanged quantity for quality. The numbers of dolphin coming into the docks were lower, but the ones that were brought in were bigger. At least here in the Lower Keys we saw the average size of dolphin rise into the low to mid 20lb range, but a lack of any notable weedlines and less bait in the offshore waters brought fewer fish.

I had a conversation yesterday with Don Hammond of the Dolphinfish Research Program regarding 3 of the Dolphin that I had tagged which were recovered last month. As always, our conversation shifted to recent observations. What we are seeing right now is a big push of long skinny Dolphin which could mean a stock of fish moving in from the Gulf of Mexico that are in search of better feeding grounds. Given the location and speed of the Gulf Stream, you may find yourself doing more hunting in your offshore forays. When you find the fish, stay with them as they are moving fast!

Weather this weekend should give you an opening to get out there and do some catching, but keep a eye on the sky. The storms that pop-up this time of year form quickly and most dissipate just as fast.

Tarpon are still here and will be willing to make anglers dreams come true if that’s what you’re after. Some of the biggest mangrove snapper of the year are being caught right now and will offer the bonus of both grouper and yellowtails in the mix. There’s still sailfish in the area and they can be found cruising the color change just outside the reef. And since we’re talking sailfish, there’s been a number of sails caught in the deeper water too. I’ve had reports of Sails as deep as 1000’ with the majority of the deepwater sails being in 750’.

The best dolphin action has been inside of 700’ with 500-650’ holding the lion’s share of bigger fish. Pockets of smaller fish have been found cruising the color change close to reef for those not looking to venture out too far.

Upper Keys

Bonefish and snapper will dominate the action near shore off Key Largo and in Florida Bay off Islamorada. The edge of the reef will be hot for snapper and grouper and will give you the option of running to deeper water for dolphin.

Middle Keys

Tarpon will be both easy and sure targets for anglers fishing the Channel 2 and 5 bridges this weekend. Don’t forget to make a quick stop to find action just off Duck Key when cruising through that area. As always, after you get done “scouting” new fishing grounds, you always have the 7 Mile bridge as a “go to” favorite for action.

Snapper and grouper anglers need to take a moment to check out the many coral heads and patch reefs in Hawk Channel on the way to the reef edge. You may just find that you’ve been driving over fish to find fish.

If you’re looking for something different to do, check out the Bethel Bank area North of the 7 Mile for some good Bonefish action.

Lower Keys and Key West

Bonefish action has been steady around the Johnson and Snipe Key areas. Anglers looking for Permit have been finding big schools of bonefish where they hoped to find Permit. Tarpon continue to challenge anglers in Key West Harbor and the West side of Fleming Key.

Snapper fishermen have been having the best success off the Toppino Marker and Western Dry Rocks. They’ve also been bringing back some nice grouper from these areas, so keep a heavier outfit down on the bottom to score a nice black or red grouper.

Shark fishing on your mind? Head West to the Marquesas! Anglers have been finding sharks ready participants if you want to catch one (or 10!). Might be just the ticket if you’re looking to score your first big shark on fly!

Capt. Rob Harris
Conchy Joe's Marine & Tackle
Key West
www.conchyjoeskw.com
(877) 266 2495