The last few days have been windy but worth the bouncy ride as early AM has produced a few Tarpon.
They are not everywhere but we found several places in the backcountry rivers that had more than a few Tarpon in for a bait fish meal.
That's what we gave them, live Pin Fish and some swimming plugs put several fish in the air.
The clouds and wind prevented us from poling the flat for Permit and this March...so far has been good for Permit fishing when the weather cooperates.
Where does the time go? New Years Day was only a few days ago....seems.
Half of March is left and that means plenty Permit fishing and starting the day with Tarpon training.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Back To Barracuda Basics
OK ....yes and it's been cool and windy ...again!
Seeing a few Tarpon and nearly...nearly hooking a couple of Permit the last two days but, we're really catching Barracuda's on Tube Lures and chompen granola bars between casts.
The Cudas have been pretty big and of course they are always a lot of fun , 360's at 40mph and long runs and jumps.
Ten lb test tackle in one foot of water, you gota have some laughs.
Mean while the live crabs and Tarpon flies wait patiently in the box.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Permit Fishing Restore's Faith
After the agony of another cold blast front the north it's warmed quickly and although the Tarpon are pissed and still lying low, the Permit fishing on the Key West Flats has lifted our spirits!
Yesterday early am I was wishing I had worn jeans and SOCKS but, by mid morning the Permit fishing on the incoming tide and a few hook ups and the socks were forgotten.
Bill managed after a few bad casts to put one together and after a prolonged struggle I grabbed the tail of his first Permit and a good one about 22-24lbs.
Of course I told him it was 26lbs and after inspecting an old Shark encounter scar, Bill had the honor of giving the fish some back and fourth pumps and a slap on the arse to get the adrenaline flowing and away the Permit smoked.
March Tarpon fishing will be rock'in in a few days.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Key West Tarpon Blow Out
ERRR! MARCH
The not so bad cold front, turns in to BAD
Three days ago it was Tarpon and Permit, now it's 30mph and boat maintenance.
Tomorrow the winds should drop and the Permit will be pretty good but Tarpon fishing will probably not recover for a few days.
The Pompano, Cobia, and Sea Trout will show back up though so we will have good "fun fishing" and of course Barracudas will be snapping.
Oh well, back under the skiff for a little scrub!
The not so bad cold front, turns in to BAD
Three days ago it was Tarpon and Permit, now it's 30mph and boat maintenance.
Tomorrow the winds should drop and the Permit will be pretty good but Tarpon fishing will probably not recover for a few days.
The Pompano, Cobia, and Sea Trout will show back up though so we will have good "fun fishing" and of course Barracudas will be snapping.
Oh well, back under the skiff for a little scrub!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Tarpon In the Air, Permit on the Run
The Last two days have been Tarpon in the early AM and when the sun gets up, poling the flats for Permit,
Lots of wind make easy shots at Permit, they don't see us coming!
Of course it's more of a challange to make the cast in the wind but we can get so much closer to the flighty Permit, it's a good news bad news kind of thing.
The water temps are up and a southeast wind bring the Tarpon inshore and encourages the Permit to pop up onto the flats for a crab breakfast.
We lost a couple of nice Tarpon, little late on the rod bowing will do that but, its fun to lose a Tarpon, getting him to jump is half the fun.
We should have a great March!!
Lots of wind make easy shots at Permit, they don't see us coming!
Of course it's more of a challange to make the cast in the wind but we can get so much closer to the flighty Permit, it's a good news bad news kind of thing.
The water temps are up and a southeast wind bring the Tarpon inshore and encourages the Permit to pop up onto the flats for a crab breakfast.
We lost a couple of nice Tarpon, little late on the rod bowing will do that but, its fun to lose a Tarpon, getting him to jump is half the fun.
We should have a great March!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Here comes summer
Wow 80ish and 86% humidity....those Tarpon will be rolling into town for an inshore feast.
Ten days ago I was in SOCKS, now its sunscreen and maybe maybe its spring in the Lower Florida Keys.
I'm sure we'll see some more cool fronts but I've the Tarpon itch and will go to the backcountry to welcome my pals.
Shakespeare sent a few new Custom Graphite rods that should do a good job of whippen those rascals.
Dusting off the Sage's and Tibor's for launching chicken feathers into the open maw's of the new arrivals.
Fetch my horse squire!
Ten days ago I was in SOCKS, now its sunscreen and maybe maybe its spring in the Lower Florida Keys.
I'm sure we'll see some more cool fronts but I've the Tarpon itch and will go to the backcountry to welcome my pals.
Shakespeare sent a few new Custom Graphite rods that should do a good job of whippen those rascals.
Dusting off the Sage's and Tibor's for launching chicken feathers into the open maw's of the new arrivals.
Fetch my horse squire!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Clouds Foil Permit but Tarpon Respond
Lots of high clouds mean low chances for shot at Permit on the Key West flats.
We dont have a lot of total cloud cover days but it does happen, this is one of those days!
After a two hours of chrome sky we threw in the towel and went sniffen for "Floater Permit " or Tarpon in the little rivers.
Our efforts paid off with two nice 70+ lb. Tuskers that gave us some trouble on light rods.
One was gone after 3-4 jumps and zero bowing of the rod, but the other we managed to get up to the boat.
We were rewarded with a jump almost into the boat and a good saltwater shower that managed to wet all!
Gone but not forgotten was Mr. Tarpon
We dont have a lot of total cloud cover days but it does happen, this is one of those days!
After a two hours of chrome sky we threw in the towel and went sniffen for "Floater Permit " or Tarpon in the little rivers.
Our efforts paid off with two nice 70+ lb. Tuskers that gave us some trouble on light rods.
One was gone after 3-4 jumps and zero bowing of the rod, but the other we managed to get up to the boat.
We were rewarded with a jump almost into the boat and a good saltwater shower that managed to wet all!
Gone but not forgotten was Mr. Tarpon
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Springing into Tarpon Fishing
I'm building the last of the Barracuda Tube lure's for 07 and have 3 big bags of Tarpon Gurgler Flies just itchen to get wet.
Only the end of Febuary and March promises more Pompano, Cobia and Barracuda but, the Permit and Tarpon fishing will be sneaking up on us very soon.
A lot of my regular guy's are calling or e-mailing to make sure we have our dates planted, they have had enough of winter in the east and mid west and dull the pain by thinking about Tarpon and Duval St. Pina Colada's.
Permit will march into March first, they tolerate a little cooler water than Mr.Tarpon.
We saw a few Tarpon poken their heads up this morning but they are still a little cold and didnt care to play.
Planning a sock burning party for March 15th.
Only the end of Febuary and March promises more Pompano, Cobia and Barracuda but, the Permit and Tarpon fishing will be sneaking up on us very soon.
A lot of my regular guy's are calling or e-mailing to make sure we have our dates planted, they have had enough of winter in the east and mid west and dull the pain by thinking about Tarpon and Duval St. Pina Colada's.
Permit will march into March first, they tolerate a little cooler water than Mr.Tarpon.
We saw a few Tarpon poken their heads up this morning but they are still a little cold and didnt care to play.
Planning a sock burning party for March 15th.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Frosty Flats Fishing Key West
Knit caps, Long Johns and SOCKS, I hate socks.
But January and lots of Febuary...I was in socks.
Febuary is all but over now and there's hope that the cold fronts are fewer hopefully, less of an impact.
The last few days have been in the mid 70's and the Permit are beginning to wander back to the flats.
Yesterday it was Barracudas and some Pompano and Bluefish, a few Permit shots too...just a few.
Todays strong southeasterly wind pushed up the water temps and encouraged more Permit to pop up for a crab sandwich.
One big boy maybe 26 lbs, pretending to be a Black Tip shark, was finely properly identified and force feed a juicy Florida Green Crab.
Smoken the drag and removing a 150 yards of braided line a few times before the Ol' guide could grab him by his tail and give him a brief warm up in the Key West Sun, a photo shoot and he was back over board to complain to his family about the Alien abduction.
Tomorrow will be more strong southeast wind warming the flats waters up and I'm sure some more Permit will challange our casting abilities.
March is next week and the Tarpon will begin to get as much attention as the Permit, maybe more.
Hate to see the Pompano start to fade as the water temps moderate but change is good.
Mike
But January and lots of Febuary...I was in socks.
Febuary is all but over now and there's hope that the cold fronts are fewer hopefully, less of an impact.
The last few days have been in the mid 70's and the Permit are beginning to wander back to the flats.
Yesterday it was Barracudas and some Pompano and Bluefish, a few Permit shots too...just a few.
Todays strong southeasterly wind pushed up the water temps and encouraged more Permit to pop up for a crab sandwich.
One big boy maybe 26 lbs, pretending to be a Black Tip shark, was finely properly identified and force feed a juicy Florida Green Crab.
Smoken the drag and removing a 150 yards of braided line a few times before the Ol' guide could grab him by his tail and give him a brief warm up in the Key West Sun, a photo shoot and he was back over board to complain to his family about the Alien abduction.
Tomorrow will be more strong southeast wind warming the flats waters up and I'm sure some more Permit will challange our casting abilities.
March is next week and the Tarpon will begin to get as much attention as the Permit, maybe more.
Hate to see the Pompano start to fade as the water temps moderate but change is good.
Mike
Monday, December 18, 2006
Pompano Fly Fishing Key West
Winter fishing in the Key West Back Country means Sea Trout, Cobia, Barracudas, Jacks, Bluefish and the pee wee Permit AKA Pompano.
They are cute and tuff for their size and you have your hands full with a 7-8 WT fly rod.
Most of the Pompano will be on or near the bottom in the shallow basins and channels, usually 4-6ft so, a slow sink or sink tip line is a good idea.
I use a full floater also and a long leader with a lead eye Mylar Minnow Fly.
Dredging will produce a good jolt/strike and several powerful runs, sometimes he'll come up and flash for you only to dive and smoke off a few dozen more yards.
Sometimes Pompano will FLOAT, holding in the current a few inches down and you can swing the fly infront of the school and watch a strike!
Last winter this happened to us several times and we had a field day landing dozens of Pompano in one shallow basin.
They were apparently sucken in very small minnies that were being washed to them with the tide.
We used a small 1/0 epoxy minnow and the Pompano went nuts, so did we but, we put all but 3-4 back.
They will be much bigger this winter, the one's I released, not the one's I fried in butter!
They are cute and tuff for their size and you have your hands full with a 7-8 WT fly rod.
Most of the Pompano will be on or near the bottom in the shallow basins and channels, usually 4-6ft so, a slow sink or sink tip line is a good idea.
I use a full floater also and a long leader with a lead eye Mylar Minnow Fly.
Dredging will produce a good jolt/strike and several powerful runs, sometimes he'll come up and flash for you only to dive and smoke off a few dozen more yards.
Sometimes Pompano will FLOAT, holding in the current a few inches down and you can swing the fly infront of the school and watch a strike!
Last winter this happened to us several times and we had a field day landing dozens of Pompano in one shallow basin.
They were apparently sucken in very small minnies that were being washed to them with the tide.
We used a small 1/0 epoxy minnow and the Pompano went nuts, so did we but, we put all but 3-4 back.
They will be much bigger this winter, the one's I released, not the one's I fried in butter!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Fly Fishing Key West Flats
Winter fly fishing provides some shots at fish other than the usual Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit Targets.
Cobia moving in, out of the Gulf of Mexico, following Sting Rays and sometimes Nurse Sharks.
They move up onto the flats as Wing Man, picking off the bait fish, crabs and other small wigglers that are on the move trying to avoid being lunch for the rays.
They spring out and get wacked by the Cobia who is better equipt with eye sight and speed then the slow moving rays.
Any good sized fly will sucker a Cobia, bait fish patterns, Crab Fake's even a good Bass Popper works well on Cobia.
Many of these guys will be over 20 lbs and can be much bigger.
Last years big Cobia was near 60 lbs and on the flat in 2ft of water, when you hook a big Cobia you had better get on the stick, because, he will spool you quick on light tackle.
Tossing a fly on a Sting Rays back will sometimes produce Jacks and even Red Fish or the Flats Snapper prize, Mutton Snapper!
We'll have some big Barracuda and Shark Flies along too.....just because.
Cobia moving in, out of the Gulf of Mexico, following Sting Rays and sometimes Nurse Sharks.
They move up onto the flats as Wing Man, picking off the bait fish, crabs and other small wigglers that are on the move trying to avoid being lunch for the rays.
They spring out and get wacked by the Cobia who is better equipt with eye sight and speed then the slow moving rays.
Any good sized fly will sucker a Cobia, bait fish patterns, Crab Fake's even a good Bass Popper works well on Cobia.
Many of these guys will be over 20 lbs and can be much bigger.
Last years big Cobia was near 60 lbs and on the flat in 2ft of water, when you hook a big Cobia you had better get on the stick, because, he will spool you quick on light tackle.
Tossing a fly on a Sting Rays back will sometimes produce Jacks and even Red Fish or the Flats Snapper prize, Mutton Snapper!
We'll have some big Barracuda and Shark Flies along too.....just because.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Xmas fishing Key West
It's that time of year, Snow Birds sneezing and coughing their way up and down every isle in the grocery store.
They just arrived and need to restock the condo with Key Lime Mustard, dishwasher soap and batteries for the 3-4 remote controls.
Another clue is the Ol' guide, building Barracuda Tube lures with 3 layers of super glue on said guide's every finger in the effort to have enough flash jigs for the Pompano,Sea Trout,Blue fish war.
Line on reels, reel lube, Flu shot, order in to Shakespear for more AMO!
My regular Christmas/New Year croud will be here, glad to see some winter fishing action and tell me about last summers Trout trip to Montana.
Some ofcourse Tarpon fish with me in the spring and we'll relive a few Tarpon Tale/Tails.
The weather has been delightful, a little wind and clouds but with the cooler water around the inshore action has been great!
" POMPANO ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE...JACK SCALES STICKEN TO MY CLOTHS..........
They just arrived and need to restock the condo with Key Lime Mustard, dishwasher soap and batteries for the 3-4 remote controls.
Another clue is the Ol' guide, building Barracuda Tube lures with 3 layers of super glue on said guide's every finger in the effort to have enough flash jigs for the Pompano,Sea Trout,Blue fish war.
Line on reels, reel lube, Flu shot, order in to Shakespear for more AMO!
My regular Christmas/New Year croud will be here, glad to see some winter fishing action and tell me about last summers Trout trip to Montana.
Some ofcourse Tarpon fish with me in the spring and we'll relive a few Tarpon Tale/Tails.
The weather has been delightful, a little wind and clouds but with the cooler water around the inshore action has been great!
" POMPANO ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE...JACK SCALES STICKEN TO MY CLOTHS..........
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Key West Flats Fishing for Barracudas
Everyone knows what a Barracuda is, to offshore trollers he's the bad guy that eats up your perfectly prepared Sailfish bait.
On heavy tackle drug behind a Sportfisherman he's not much fun, winching him on 50lb test, the mate bitching about the varmits.
Well how would a Rainbow trout fight using the same menthods, funny huh?
On the flats in the winter, lots of big Barracudas come up in a foot or less of gin clear water to gobble bait fish.
They move in "Wolf Pack's" and rocket into the bait fish schools or lurk on the edge of the flat waiting for the bait to move to them on the falling tide.
We will be there also with out light spinning or fly rods with artifical lures.
Hooking a big Barracuda that may go over 25 lbs on a 10lb test spin out fit and watching him bolt 45 MPH, turn 180 degrees and jump 6ft in the air and then do it again.
I can tell you that over the last 30 yrs I have had many SPORTS tell me " Oh I've caught Barracudas before, they were not much fun"
I always ask if they ever caught them on the flat?...err NO!
After the first good Cuda and a whole lot of WOW'S, LOOK at HIM JUMPS.
The opinion changes!........."let's get another CUDA!"
That's just part of the winter Key West Flats Fishing, some of the just plain fun.
On heavy tackle drug behind a Sportfisherman he's not much fun, winching him on 50lb test, the mate bitching about the varmits.
Well how would a Rainbow trout fight using the same menthods, funny huh?
On the flats in the winter, lots of big Barracudas come up in a foot or less of gin clear water to gobble bait fish.
They move in "Wolf Pack's" and rocket into the bait fish schools or lurk on the edge of the flat waiting for the bait to move to them on the falling tide.
We will be there also with out light spinning or fly rods with artifical lures.
Hooking a big Barracuda that may go over 25 lbs on a 10lb test spin out fit and watching him bolt 45 MPH, turn 180 degrees and jump 6ft in the air and then do it again.
I can tell you that over the last 30 yrs I have had many SPORTS tell me " Oh I've caught Barracudas before, they were not much fun"
I always ask if they ever caught them on the flat?...err NO!
After the first good Cuda and a whole lot of WOW'S, LOOK at HIM JUMPS.
The opinion changes!........."let's get another CUDA!"
That's just part of the winter Key West Flats Fishing, some of the just plain fun.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Cobia's on the Key West Flats
I took a little ride this morning, even though it was rather choppy.
I was wondering if the back country was sturred up from the cold front winds.
It turns out that the channels were still pretty clear and as I poled in along the bank, I saw moving down the river edge a dark shape that you would assume was Mr.Shark.
It was Mr. Cobia, a nice one about 40ish lbs, I tossed a rubber fish in his direction and he leaped on it "like a chicken on a June Bug."
Its a little early for the Cobia's on the flat but, then again we have had some early winter like weather.
A little cooler water and some north winds pushing the bait out of the Gulf and behind the bait the Bluefish,Cobia, Sea Trout and Pompano.
Ofcourse the down side is the near freezing temps .....of 78 degrees
Anyway the Cobia broke off at the boat after I fooled around long enough, worrying about no ice and where he was going to ride on my way home.
I'll get him latter and throw his ass on the Barbee.
I was wondering if the back country was sturred up from the cold front winds.
It turns out that the channels were still pretty clear and as I poled in along the bank, I saw moving down the river edge a dark shape that you would assume was Mr.Shark.
It was Mr. Cobia, a nice one about 40ish lbs, I tossed a rubber fish in his direction and he leaped on it "like a chicken on a June Bug."
Its a little early for the Cobia's on the flat but, then again we have had some early winter like weather.
A little cooler water and some north winds pushing the bait out of the Gulf and behind the bait the Bluefish,Cobia, Sea Trout and Pompano.
Ofcourse the down side is the near freezing temps .....of 78 degrees
Anyway the Cobia broke off at the boat after I fooled around long enough, worrying about no ice and where he was going to ride on my way home.
I'll get him latter and throw his ass on the Barbee.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Winter Fun of the Key West Flats
Can you believe it ? December already?
Last trip out we found winter back country fishing at its best.
Great comfortable 80 degrees, low humidity and non stop action from our winter fish friends.
I did go thru 3 dozen jigs but, we dont care.
Much Jack attack action, dozens of leaping Lady Fish and 15 perfect Pompano kept us busy for hours.
We had a run in with a school of Blue Fish that gobbled up some jigs until a switch over to wire leaders helped to land a few.
Several black Tip Sharks and one big toofy Barracuda added to the fun.
We headed for the Barn with few weapons left in the tackle arsenal, but a lot of laugh's
Thats the way it is in the back country this time of year, Permit on the flats and the seasonal fun guys chasing bait in the rivers and basins.
The Barracudas with show up anyday now for their winter flats buffet.
And I'm Watching the nightly news and tying jigs every night!
Last trip out we found winter back country fishing at its best.
Great comfortable 80 degrees, low humidity and non stop action from our winter fish friends.
I did go thru 3 dozen jigs but, we dont care.
Much Jack attack action, dozens of leaping Lady Fish and 15 perfect Pompano kept us busy for hours.
We had a run in with a school of Blue Fish that gobbled up some jigs until a switch over to wire leaders helped to land a few.
Several black Tip Sharks and one big toofy Barracuda added to the fun.
We headed for the Barn with few weapons left in the tackle arsenal, but a lot of laugh's
Thats the way it is in the back country this time of year, Permit on the flats and the seasonal fun guys chasing bait in the rivers and basins.
The Barracudas with show up anyday now for their winter flats buffet.
And I'm Watching the nightly news and tying jigs every night!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Permit and Tarpon Ocean Side Key West
We were surprized by the Tarpon we ran into yesterday but, we expected a few good Permit shots.
A little too much wind and some high clouds made it a tuff day.
We were on top of most of the fish before we could see them, they had conditions in their favor.
There they gooooooo! the ol' guide exlaimed..^*%@& fish.
Eventually we got lucky with a nice lazy Permit over the sand, jumping on the crab like a chicken on a June Bug.
After 20 mins and a hug and kiss, he was back in the sponge bottom, counting his blessings.
Later a nice 60+ lb Tarpon appeared and although the cast was in his window, he was apparently looking for a nice minnow.
So better light and we'd O wacked um!
A little too much wind and some high clouds made it a tuff day.
We were on top of most of the fish before we could see them, they had conditions in their favor.
There they gooooooo! the ol' guide exlaimed..^*%@& fish.
Eventually we got lucky with a nice lazy Permit over the sand, jumping on the crab like a chicken on a June Bug.
After 20 mins and a hug and kiss, he was back in the sponge bottom, counting his blessings.
Later a nice 60+ lb Tarpon appeared and although the cast was in his window, he was apparently looking for a nice minnow.
So better light and we'd O wacked um!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Key West Backcountry Showing Life
Looking in the basins that lie inside the Gulf of Mexico Flats, I've been finding a lot of bait fish.
Mullet and Pilchers being bombed repeatedly by big Grey Pelicans with some Sooty Terns picking up the scraps.
These are some of the Fall signs that will eventually bring in the Sea Trout, Pompano and even a few Bluefish.
But thats getting ahead of things by a month or so.
We will not see any of those guys for another month, we'll expect to see the Bonefish and Permit show up in greater number this month though.
I did a little sniffen around in a few of the eastern Gulf side basins and the inner Mangrove Islands that float inside the flats.
Just looking for the Baby Tarpon that are born up under the Mangroves and live there until they decide its time to move on with the bigger Tarpon.
They will travel in and out of the rivers and basins but spend much of their life a few miles out in the Gulf, coming in close for some munchies once in awhile.
We found a few here and there although we could not coax them out from under the shade of the mangrove roots.
I always wonder how many thousands of years these baby Tarpon have hatched and grown in these same little Mangrove nooks feeding on Finger Mullet, Pin Fish and crabs until graduation.
I wonder how many of the Babies that we jumped on little Mylar Flies in and around the Mangroves, 7-8 years latter fed a orange Tango fly, fought and landed him now weighing 120 lbs.
I like to think we'll see him again at 170 lbs.
Not sure the feeling is mutual!
Mullet and Pilchers being bombed repeatedly by big Grey Pelicans with some Sooty Terns picking up the scraps.
These are some of the Fall signs that will eventually bring in the Sea Trout, Pompano and even a few Bluefish.
But thats getting ahead of things by a month or so.
We will not see any of those guys for another month, we'll expect to see the Bonefish and Permit show up in greater number this month though.
I did a little sniffen around in a few of the eastern Gulf side basins and the inner Mangrove Islands that float inside the flats.
Just looking for the Baby Tarpon that are born up under the Mangroves and live there until they decide its time to move on with the bigger Tarpon.
They will travel in and out of the rivers and basins but spend much of their life a few miles out in the Gulf, coming in close for some munchies once in awhile.
We found a few here and there although we could not coax them out from under the shade of the mangrove roots.
I always wonder how many thousands of years these baby Tarpon have hatched and grown in these same little Mangrove nooks feeding on Finger Mullet, Pin Fish and crabs until graduation.
I wonder how many of the Babies that we jumped on little Mylar Flies in and around the Mangroves, 7-8 years latter fed a orange Tango fly, fought and landed him now weighing 120 lbs.
I like to think we'll see him again at 170 lbs.
Not sure the feeling is mutual!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Permit on the Fly Key West
I went to the Gulf side flats this morning and just east of Snipe Keys, pushed the little skiff up as high as I could and waited.
Watching for Bonefish or Permit moving up on to the flat with the incoming tide,saw a couple Mullet sized Bonefish as I pushed west and continued to look for Sickel Tails.
I did see two small Permit that bolted before I could slide close enough for John to get a small Merkin fly launched.
After the usual Barracuda, Sting Ray and Bonet Shark "fooler's" we pushed toward the Gulf edge to run east a few more Keys.
John started to come off the casting deck and I warned him "if you put up that flyrod
15 Permit will swim by us!"
Just as I said it, I spotted two tail tips breaking the surface 25 yards at 1 oclock.
John sprang up and as I got closer we could see 20-25 "Floater" Permit hanging over some sponge bottom.
John launched the small blond floating Merkin and sure enough we saw a Permit turn on it, this is where the angler expects a bite and the guide doesn't...usually.
I heard John exclaim " He's on" ol guide thought.. Mangrove Snapper came out from under the sponge and ate John's fly.
Wonderfully, I was wrong and 30 mins later we snapped a photo of Johnny's 14-16 lb Permit.
We had drifted west and north of the sponge bottom and after putt'n in a big half circle were now 100 yards east of the Permit schools.
We put on another Blondy and both jumped onto you battle stations, few mins latter I found the fish and we closed once again.
Knowing we may have worn out our welcome but, we had to give it a try!
John cast the Merkin and wiggled it a little as it drifted through the School.
I saw the fly line jerked from his hand, he recovered guickly and grabbed the loose line, sinking the hook in another Permit face..
As I put the skiff on plane at the mouth of my home canal this morning, I was dreading a looong hot day!
It was good to be wrong... had a Hot Day.
Watching for Bonefish or Permit moving up on to the flat with the incoming tide,saw a couple Mullet sized Bonefish as I pushed west and continued to look for Sickel Tails.
I did see two small Permit that bolted before I could slide close enough for John to get a small Merkin fly launched.
After the usual Barracuda, Sting Ray and Bonet Shark "fooler's" we pushed toward the Gulf edge to run east a few more Keys.
John started to come off the casting deck and I warned him "if you put up that flyrod
15 Permit will swim by us!"
Just as I said it, I spotted two tail tips breaking the surface 25 yards at 1 oclock.
John sprang up and as I got closer we could see 20-25 "Floater" Permit hanging over some sponge bottom.
John launched the small blond floating Merkin and sure enough we saw a Permit turn on it, this is where the angler expects a bite and the guide doesn't...usually.
I heard John exclaim " He's on" ol guide thought.. Mangrove Snapper came out from under the sponge and ate John's fly.
Wonderfully, I was wrong and 30 mins later we snapped a photo of Johnny's 14-16 lb Permit.
We had drifted west and north of the sponge bottom and after putt'n in a big half circle were now 100 yards east of the Permit schools.
We put on another Blondy and both jumped onto you battle stations, few mins latter I found the fish and we closed once again.
Knowing we may have worn out our welcome but, we had to give it a try!
John cast the Merkin and wiggled it a little as it drifted through the School.
I saw the fly line jerked from his hand, he recovered guickly and grabbed the loose line, sinking the hook in another Permit face..
As I put the skiff on plane at the mouth of my home canal this morning, I was dreading a looong hot day!
It was good to be wrong... had a Hot Day.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Key West Fall Fishing
No one is more elated than I that October is here and with it the cooling of the inshore water.
Looks like this year we will have some early cold fronts and thats a good thing!
Dont get out your parka's just yet, this is the Lower Florida Keys we're talking about water temps in the mid 70s and low 80s after summers water running 10 degrees warmer.
Every fall the annual bait run starts down the East coast, shifting small bait fish south and moving the Sail Fish, King Fish and other off shore monsters into the keys and southern Gulf of Mexico.
What does this mean to Flats Fisherman?....Nothing and everything, we're not expecting and Sailfish on the flats but we have simular results from the fall cooling temps.
The crab and shrimp population along with other small bait fish move into the basins, chanels and flats.
Their finding cool water where a few weeks ago it was boiling and uncomfortable.
Along with this inshore bait movement comes ofcourse the guys were interested in, Bigger Bonefish come in from the Gulf of Mexico along with larger groups of Permit.
In a month or so we'll start looking for Sea Trout, Pompano and Cobia, all looking for some winter hunting in the now cooler inshore waters in the Florida Keys.
October is always a fun time for me, pursuing the Bigger Bonefish on the Gulf Flats and finding bunches of Permit wher a few weeks ago there were...some.
The Tarpon will show but dont look for bunches, we'll get some shots but not spend alot of time trying to make it happen.
Those that have fished with me in the past will remember I dont spend a lot of time with small Bonefish.
October gives me the chance to Bonefish more often....looking for the Big Boys!
Looks like this year we will have some early cold fronts and thats a good thing!
Dont get out your parka's just yet, this is the Lower Florida Keys we're talking about water temps in the mid 70s and low 80s after summers water running 10 degrees warmer.
Every fall the annual bait run starts down the East coast, shifting small bait fish south and moving the Sail Fish, King Fish and other off shore monsters into the keys and southern Gulf of Mexico.
What does this mean to Flats Fisherman?....Nothing and everything, we're not expecting and Sailfish on the flats but we have simular results from the fall cooling temps.
The crab and shrimp population along with other small bait fish move into the basins, chanels and flats.
Their finding cool water where a few weeks ago it was boiling and uncomfortable.
Along with this inshore bait movement comes ofcourse the guys were interested in, Bigger Bonefish come in from the Gulf of Mexico along with larger groups of Permit.
In a month or so we'll start looking for Sea Trout, Pompano and Cobia, all looking for some winter hunting in the now cooler inshore waters in the Florida Keys.
October is always a fun time for me, pursuing the Bigger Bonefish on the Gulf Flats and finding bunches of Permit wher a few weeks ago there were...some.
The Tarpon will show but dont look for bunches, we'll get some shots but not spend alot of time trying to make it happen.
Those that have fished with me in the past will remember I dont spend a lot of time with small Bonefish.
October gives me the chance to Bonefish more often....looking for the Big Boys!
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