KEY WEST - Fishing this week in the Lower Keys has brought forth some larger mahi mahi even despite the lack of current and weed lines off Key West.
“It’s the same as last year,” explained Gary Ashby, longtime mate on the Fish Check out of Charter Boat Row in Key West. The lack of current has made dolphin fishing more of a sport this year. Finding debris is like finding a goal mine and days are spent watching for frigate birds to dip one wing or dive towards the surface of the water – indicating there may be a big fish lurking just below.
Ashby just got done cleaning three teenage dolphin in the 20- pound range. He mentioned that although they didn’t fish out too far off the reef the lack of current has the fish real spread out since there has been only scattered weed. “Normally we have more big fish inshore,” Ashby added. The current normally pushes the bigger fish in towards the reef making the journey not as far but very productive.
Lately many of the smaller dolphin have been lingering inshore and although it does produce hot action many of the fish need to be released because they don’t meet the minimum measurement of 20” to the fork of the tail.
Captain Joe Mercurio III on the Jolly Roger II has an impressive catch of mahi yesterday as well. From the looks of their charters’ catch they had stayed busy dolphin fishing all day long. The peg board was filled with dolphin fish along with some smaller fish lined up neatly on the ground. The Gasbarro family, from Ft. Lauderdale, and a few of their friends had been fishing with Mercurio. “We are originally from Key West but still come here each May to fish,” Tom Gasbarro said. The family were once residents of Key West, Conchs as we call them. Tom Gasbarro landed a nice 40- pound bull dolphin, the largest of the catch. They caught their limit of dolphin, 60 in total.
Up the Keys at the Sugarloaf Marina I caught up with 10- year old Thomas Fricke of Big Pine Key and his father, Captain Charlie Fricke on the Squid Row out of Cudjoe Gardens Marina, as they weighed in a 48- pound bull dolphin. Thomas was ecstatic to have a large fish to weigh in for the Key West Fishing Tournament. Thomas may only be ten years old but is already a veteran to the tournament, winning many awards in years past for dolphin and other notable fish. The father and son team were fishing just off Cudjoe Key in 800- feet of water. They got the largest fish off a frigate bird.
For more information on the Key West Fishing Tournament you can visit their web site at www.keywestfishingtournament.com.
Upcoming dolphin tournaments include the Sixth Annual Dolphin Masters Invitational. This one day tournament yields a winning purse of $15,000. Contact John Stumpfig for more information at (305) 296-7511.
Elsewhere around the Lower Keys, snapper and grouper fishing is still good with mutton fishing tapering off a bit after the full moon phase. Warmer water will slow down the snapper and grouper fishing as we progress into summer. Best times to fish for these bottom species is into the evening hours.
Tuna and bonito are still active behind the shrimp boats in the Gulf. Captain Mike Weinhofer on the Compass Rose out of City Marina mentioned they were still traveling nearly 70- miles to the shrimp boats. A long ride but well worth it for some hot action. This type of fishing will come to an end soon so if you want the experience, especially for a fly rodder, it’s a trip not to be missed.
Tarpon fishing on the flats has been tough this week. The fish are not feeding as readily for one reason or another. Overcast skies have made visibility very minimal so finding a white sand or light bottom area will give you the advantage to see these fish come across the flats. There are still many large schools of tarpon traveling the ocean side flats of the lower keys, some have moved into the backcountry basins and are laid up while others continue on their migration to the north.
Congratulations are in order for Captain Ralph Delph and his angler Dr. Martin Arostegui of Coral Gables for their accomplishment in catching and releasing the heaviest fish ever caught on fly. This new world record was officially approved by the IGFA recently and breaks a 40- year old record set in 1967. Arostegui landed a 385- pound lemon shark on fly using 12- pound tippet. The tippet apparently over tested and broke at 13- pounds so the fish and record will be entered into the 16- pound tippet line class.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
The Palolo Worm & The Tarpon
The Palolo Worm & The Tarpon
Take a full or new moon, a falling tide in the evening and the finish of a slick calm day at sunset and you have the recipe for what has to be one of the finest moments in saltwater fishing, the Palolo Worm Hatch.
It happens mainly on the ocean side coral rock flats of the Florida Keys, but according to many long time Keys guides, there are several ‘honey holes’ in the backcountry that host these worms and their loyal followers, the tarpon.These worms hatch out of hard coral rock each year and head to the reef, about 7 miles offshore, to spawn. This phenomenon happens often during the full or new moon of May and June, and often when there is a falling tide towards the evening. Conditions need to be pretty calm for the hatch to come off as expected.A few days before a worm hatch is about to happen the tarpon will seem to be non-existant on the flats. They know what's about to go on and they don't want to miss it. The Palolo worm is a tasty treat for a tarpon and serves as an aphrodisiac. It makes the tarpon appear to be almost 'drunk' as they lazily feed on the surface of the water chomping on every worm they can gulp into their bucket mouths.It's not uncommon to see a thousand tarpon rolling, almost as far as the eye can see.Fishing during the worm hatch certainly can increase your chances of hooking up but it's not as easy as you may think to stick one of these fish. Palolo Worms travel quickly, on the surface, and in a straight line.
One technique that does work well with a fly rod is to use the "striper strip" method. This entails casting as far as you can and then putting the reel under your arm and strip with both hands, pulling the fly line in one consistent flow of motion. Another method may be to use long strips with not much pause in between and as the fly nears the boat, sweep the fly as far as you can keeping it in the water.The Palolo Worm can be identified by it's similarities to an earth worm. It has a white tip and a red body. A fly that replicates this worm should have a greenish head tied from olive green dubbing with a thin rabbit strip of red. Other conventional light tackle artificial lures work too if the retrieve has a similar motion to the worm itself.
So if you are in the Keys this week, check your tides and lunar tables. You may just a see something you’ll never forget.
Take a full or new moon, a falling tide in the evening and the finish of a slick calm day at sunset and you have the recipe for what has to be one of the finest moments in saltwater fishing, the Palolo Worm Hatch.
It happens mainly on the ocean side coral rock flats of the Florida Keys, but according to many long time Keys guides, there are several ‘honey holes’ in the backcountry that host these worms and their loyal followers, the tarpon.These worms hatch out of hard coral rock each year and head to the reef, about 7 miles offshore, to spawn. This phenomenon happens often during the full or new moon of May and June, and often when there is a falling tide towards the evening. Conditions need to be pretty calm for the hatch to come off as expected.A few days before a worm hatch is about to happen the tarpon will seem to be non-existant on the flats. They know what's about to go on and they don't want to miss it. The Palolo worm is a tasty treat for a tarpon and serves as an aphrodisiac. It makes the tarpon appear to be almost 'drunk' as they lazily feed on the surface of the water chomping on every worm they can gulp into their bucket mouths.It's not uncommon to see a thousand tarpon rolling, almost as far as the eye can see.Fishing during the worm hatch certainly can increase your chances of hooking up but it's not as easy as you may think to stick one of these fish. Palolo Worms travel quickly, on the surface, and in a straight line.
One technique that does work well with a fly rod is to use the "striper strip" method. This entails casting as far as you can and then putting the reel under your arm and strip with both hands, pulling the fly line in one consistent flow of motion. Another method may be to use long strips with not much pause in between and as the fly nears the boat, sweep the fly as far as you can keeping it in the water.The Palolo Worm can be identified by it's similarities to an earth worm. It has a white tip and a red body. A fly that replicates this worm should have a greenish head tied from olive green dubbing with a thin rabbit strip of red. Other conventional light tackle artificial lures work too if the retrieve has a similar motion to the worm itself.
So if you are in the Keys this week, check your tides and lunar tables. You may just a see something you’ll never forget.
Key West Fishing Report - May 2006
KEY WEST – Today we finally got some stormy Key West weather and much needed rain in the Florida Keys. Although it’s not what any fisherman wants to see on the Doppler radar on a perfect flat calm morning, but it was inevitable that today the captains and guides of the Lower Keys would catch a much needed break on the couch. I’d heard on our local radio news that we’ve had about a half inch of rain since January so our much needed rain is certainly welcome even if it’s just for an afternoon.
I’ve been out fishing this week for permit again just off the Trinity rocks near Western Dry Rocks. They’re still there although the permit have been a bit skiddish. My guess is that the boat traffic has put them on edge. Regardless, we hooked and landed six permit up to 17- pounds.
Captain Mike Weinhofer on the Compass Rose out of City Marina explained that he’s had similar luck with permit fishing this past week. They are still on the spawn but they’ve been a bit spooky. “Permit have been real active and eating crabs,” Weinhofer said describing his fishing techniques. He explained that the permit fishing has been very active to the west near the Marquesas on the wrecks.
Weinhofer also mentioned he had been fishing way to the west near the Fort and the Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas fishing can yield some fabulous bottom fish including black grouper in the 20- pound range. Weinhofer also had the pleasure of experiencing the mutton spawn. This past full moon was good for mutton snapper but not consistent over the full moon phase. “One night was red hot, one night was slow, the next night was real good,” Weinhofer said. He was using ballyhoo as bait for these spawning fish. Mutton eat a variety of baits but Weinhofer was using fresh dead ballyhoo to get the bite.
Captain Steve Rodger on the Spear One out of Murray Marina also had some good luck with the mutton snapper spawn this past week. He caught his limit of mutton the night after the full moon and when I asked him about the fishing action he seemed to believe that next month’s moon the fishing would be even better.
Rodger’s anglers for his day time charter has an active fishing day as well, landing a 38- pound kingfish, several flag yellowtail and a nice 25- pound blackfin tuna. Rodger was fishing near the Eyeglass Bar just off Key West.
Captain Steve Impallomini, also out of Murray Marina, had a nice catch of dolphin and a cobia, caught in the same area.
Blackfin tuna have been thinning out on the wrecks, the mix has mostly been Bonito and a nice selection of sharks, according to Weinhofer. Captain Tony Murphy on the Key Limey out of Murray’s has also been fishing behind the shrimp boats a few days this week and mentioned that the run is about 60- miles.
Offshore fishing has remained consistent for large mahi mahi this week. Several large fish in the 20- pound range have been caught among the Key West fleet. Several notable catches belong to Captain Steve Magee on the Ramarizi out of Charter Boat Row in Key West, with a 55- pound dolphin and Captain Rick Breedlove on the Fish Check with a close second at 53- pounds.
Larger mahi-mahi have been running in the area for the last few days. This is the season where the bigger dolphin run closer to Key West. Look for a big bull or cow running with a pod of smaller dolphin.
I’ve been out fishing this week for permit again just off the Trinity rocks near Western Dry Rocks. They’re still there although the permit have been a bit skiddish. My guess is that the boat traffic has put them on edge. Regardless, we hooked and landed six permit up to 17- pounds.
Captain Mike Weinhofer on the Compass Rose out of City Marina explained that he’s had similar luck with permit fishing this past week. They are still on the spawn but they’ve been a bit spooky. “Permit have been real active and eating crabs,” Weinhofer said describing his fishing techniques. He explained that the permit fishing has been very active to the west near the Marquesas on the wrecks.
Weinhofer also mentioned he had been fishing way to the west near the Fort and the Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas fishing can yield some fabulous bottom fish including black grouper in the 20- pound range. Weinhofer also had the pleasure of experiencing the mutton spawn. This past full moon was good for mutton snapper but not consistent over the full moon phase. “One night was red hot, one night was slow, the next night was real good,” Weinhofer said. He was using ballyhoo as bait for these spawning fish. Mutton eat a variety of baits but Weinhofer was using fresh dead ballyhoo to get the bite.
Captain Steve Rodger on the Spear One out of Murray Marina also had some good luck with the mutton snapper spawn this past week. He caught his limit of mutton the night after the full moon and when I asked him about the fishing action he seemed to believe that next month’s moon the fishing would be even better.
Rodger’s anglers for his day time charter has an active fishing day as well, landing a 38- pound kingfish, several flag yellowtail and a nice 25- pound blackfin tuna. Rodger was fishing near the Eyeglass Bar just off Key West.
Captain Steve Impallomini, also out of Murray Marina, had a nice catch of dolphin and a cobia, caught in the same area.
Blackfin tuna have been thinning out on the wrecks, the mix has mostly been Bonito and a nice selection of sharks, according to Weinhofer. Captain Tony Murphy on the Key Limey out of Murray’s has also been fishing behind the shrimp boats a few days this week and mentioned that the run is about 60- miles.
Offshore fishing has remained consistent for large mahi mahi this week. Several large fish in the 20- pound range have been caught among the Key West fleet. Several notable catches belong to Captain Steve Magee on the Ramarizi out of Charter Boat Row in Key West, with a 55- pound dolphin and Captain Rick Breedlove on the Fish Check with a close second at 53- pounds.
Larger mahi-mahi have been running in the area for the last few days. This is the season where the bigger dolphin run closer to Key West. Look for a big bull or cow running with a pod of smaller dolphin.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Key West Fishing Report - May 2
KEY WEST – Fishing conditions around the Lower Keys this week have remained consistent with the exception of a front that pushed through the area over the weekend giving us some gusty winds and bringing the temperature of the water down slightly.
Tarpon seem to be one of the most temperature sensitive fish and even though they are following their migratory pattern they veer off into deeper water. This week the tarpon bite slacked off a bit both in the harbor and on the flats. Our north easterly wind kept them migrating but with their mouths shut tight.
Expect the tarpon bite to get back on track this week with warmer weather. Live crabs or pinfish have been the bait of choice. If you are fly fishing for tarpon, the tasty Toad in chartreuse seems to be most popular. I firmly believe that most any tarpon bug would work as long as it is presented correctly. The standard cockroach pattern in tan with grizzly hackle tail or an olive rabbit strip with black rabbit collar will also entice a bite.
Offshore fishing has been exceptional with some early slammer dolphin being caught. Captain Ralph Lennon on the Sailfish out of Conch Harbor Marina reported a nice 25- pound mahi-mahi caught near the Wall just south of Sand Key light. Lennon reported that most of the fish caught this week were not off the weed lines. “We picked one off under a frigate bird,” explained Lennon. This time of year there are normally weed lines that form offshore anywhere from the reef to the Wall and beyond. “There is simply no current so all the weed is scattered, if we had current we’d have really great fishing,” Lennon said.
Those lucky enough to find floating debris find all types of fish. John Ain, of Sugarloaf Key, Jay McDaniel of Cudjoe Key and Capt. Dale Bittner of Key West found a virtual goal mine of fish around a large piece of floating debris off Sugarloaf early this week. Ain reported the party of four caught 40 dolphin, several of which Ain landed on fly. The debris not only produced mahi on the surface but rewarded these anglers with some tasty wahoo from the deep. They were jigging deep under the debris with bucktail jigs and reportedly hooked 8 wahoo.
There was an increase in sailfish releases this week just off Key West. Although there is not much current being found there is a discernable color change between 150 and 180 feet off Key West. “It’s not a real defined color change,” explained Lennon. The color change is clear from a distance but not real defined. Several sails were released off Key West and a larger number were hooked but jumped off. These fish were reportedly taken on live threadfins while sight casting to cruising fish.
One of the most impressive catches this week was from Captain Jay Weed on the Lucky Charm out of the Key West Historic Seaport. Weed was trolling 15 miles south of Sand Key Light in 720 feet of water when his deep troll went off. Weed had a 196- pound mako shark on the line. “The fish jumped once and fought for the next hour and 25 minutes,” Weed explained. He also explained how well the angler Tom Henry of Sea Isle, NJ handled the fight. The shark ate a pink sea witch skirt and a large ballyhoo.
Mako sharks are a rare catch in the Lower Keys. Although these fast swimming sharks are common to tropical and temperate seas, they often prefer cooler water (around 65° F). Makos can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh near 1000 pounds but the more common ones are in the 5- foot to 8- foot range.
Tarpon seem to be one of the most temperature sensitive fish and even though they are following their migratory pattern they veer off into deeper water. This week the tarpon bite slacked off a bit both in the harbor and on the flats. Our north easterly wind kept them migrating but with their mouths shut tight.
Expect the tarpon bite to get back on track this week with warmer weather. Live crabs or pinfish have been the bait of choice. If you are fly fishing for tarpon, the tasty Toad in chartreuse seems to be most popular. I firmly believe that most any tarpon bug would work as long as it is presented correctly. The standard cockroach pattern in tan with grizzly hackle tail or an olive rabbit strip with black rabbit collar will also entice a bite.
Offshore fishing has been exceptional with some early slammer dolphin being caught. Captain Ralph Lennon on the Sailfish out of Conch Harbor Marina reported a nice 25- pound mahi-mahi caught near the Wall just south of Sand Key light. Lennon reported that most of the fish caught this week were not off the weed lines. “We picked one off under a frigate bird,” explained Lennon. This time of year there are normally weed lines that form offshore anywhere from the reef to the Wall and beyond. “There is simply no current so all the weed is scattered, if we had current we’d have really great fishing,” Lennon said.
Those lucky enough to find floating debris find all types of fish. John Ain, of Sugarloaf Key, Jay McDaniel of Cudjoe Key and Capt. Dale Bittner of Key West found a virtual goal mine of fish around a large piece of floating debris off Sugarloaf early this week. Ain reported the party of four caught 40 dolphin, several of which Ain landed on fly. The debris not only produced mahi on the surface but rewarded these anglers with some tasty wahoo from the deep. They were jigging deep under the debris with bucktail jigs and reportedly hooked 8 wahoo.
There was an increase in sailfish releases this week just off Key West. Although there is not much current being found there is a discernable color change between 150 and 180 feet off Key West. “It’s not a real defined color change,” explained Lennon. The color change is clear from a distance but not real defined. Several sails were released off Key West and a larger number were hooked but jumped off. These fish were reportedly taken on live threadfins while sight casting to cruising fish.
One of the most impressive catches this week was from Captain Jay Weed on the Lucky Charm out of the Key West Historic Seaport. Weed was trolling 15 miles south of Sand Key Light in 720 feet of water when his deep troll went off. Weed had a 196- pound mako shark on the line. “The fish jumped once and fought for the next hour and 25 minutes,” Weed explained. He also explained how well the angler Tom Henry of Sea Isle, NJ handled the fight. The shark ate a pink sea witch skirt and a large ballyhoo.
Mako sharks are a rare catch in the Lower Keys. Although these fast swimming sharks are common to tropical and temperate seas, they often prefer cooler water (around 65° F). Makos can grow up to 12 feet long and weigh near 1000 pounds but the more common ones are in the 5- foot to 8- foot range.
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