8/3/16
Barracuda on the Flats
Summertime is definitely hot in the Keys, but we have been experiencing a nice bit of breeze lately that keeps things cool out on the water! The winds have not been out of control to make it uncomfortable out on the water. It is nice to have a little bit of wind just to cool you off throughout these hot days.
With that said, the mornings have been the most productive time to be out on the water. By mid day to mid afternoon, the heat from the sun just boils the water a little bit too much. This can create a slower bite mid day and early afternoon. I have had my most successful fishing times in the morning. I can’t say the afternoons are horrible fishing, I have had some nice outings in the PM as well. Just a suggestion when trying to book a charter this time of year, that’s all.
Bonefish in Key West
As far as fishing goes, I have mainly been taking my anglers to the backcountry waters. Everyone always asks what “backcountry” refers to. When I use this term, I am referring to the shallow waters, flats, channels, mangrove islands, and small bays that make up what we call the “backcountry.” This is a type of fishing that is very popular in the area, since the Keys are very shallow to begin with. The species I have been catching have primarily been snappers, jacks, barracudas, and sharks. These are the most readily available species we have in the shallows and are some of the more easily targeted species. I have had some opportunities to fish for our harder to catch species as well, including bonefish and permit. These two are some of the hardest fish in Key West to catch because they are illusive and spooky in their environment.
The fishing has been different every day, because of the wide range of clientele that I fish. There isn’t anything that I have been specifically going after because of this. Overall, I’d say fishing is pretty good. Seeing a variety makes me believe there’s a strong and healthy ecosystem here in the Florida Keys.
