Fishing in the Wind- Florida Keys Fishing Report
January 26, 2011
If you've spent any amount of time fishing in the Florida Keys, you've likely had to alter your plans because of high winds and rough seas. It's happened to us all, and it's something we can't control. This time of year the weather is extremely inconsistent. One day it's flat calm and you can journey offshore in a skiff. The next day a wicked cold front might blow in, keeping even the largest sportfishing boats tied up at the dock.
True, the wind can be an angler's greatest foe. But those windy days also challenge us and test our fishing skills. Just because there are six to eight-footers beyond the reef, it doesn't mean there isn't a place to catch fish. We're blessed to have endless fishing opportunities here in the Florida Keys, and there's always somewhere to bend the rod. It's up to you to plan ahead, and make the most of what the weather gives you.
Early this week we were hammered with strong south-southeast winds that made it difficult for your average vessel to get offshore. While this does limit our chances to target the larger pelagic fish, it does open new opportunities with our inshore fishery. These south-southeast winds push warm waters into the shallows, often helping to heat up the bite on the flats, around the bridges, in Florida Bay, and in the backcountry waters of Everglades National Park.
On days like these put the heavy tackle away and break out the light spinning gear. Fish the downward side of the islands for snapper, snook, and redfish. Anchor up at the bridges and target keeper mangroves. Or head into the bay for some exciting light-tackle Spanish mackerel fishing.
When fishing the bridges be sure to pick the right tide. Fishing the incoming tides will offer calmer conditions and make for a more comfortable fishing experience. For targeting snapper at the bridges fish live pilchards on jig heads. Or if you're unable to catch pilchards, live shrimp, fresh cut ballyhoo, or small pinfish will also do the trick, all of which can be purchased at your local tackle shop. Also keep in mind that water around the bridges is likely to be dirtier than normal. That means you can beef up your leader and get away with fishing heavier fluorocarbon line.
Another thing I like to do when it's blowing out of the south-southeast is anchor up in Florida Bay (eight to 12-feet of water) and fish for Spanish mackerel. Get a good chum slick flowing, wait a few minutes, and the fish should begin to show up. The mackerel are thick right now in the Bay and you should be able to spend an afternoon consistently bending the rod with these strong fighting fish. Use a silver spoon, jig, or live bait. All of which will do the trick during a Spanish mackerel feeding frenzy.
When the wind turns around and blows out of the north conditions change, and so do your fishing options. Now our focus is out front, fishing the reef and Hawk Channel, where the islands offer some protection and act as a barrier against the wind. During a north wind, anchor up on the channel humps or on the reef and target snapper, grouper, kingfish, cobia, and more. Just remember that grouper season is closed, so even if you reel in a keeper black you'll have to let it go for another day. The north-northeast winds are also a great time to head out and target sailfish. Usually the cool breezes and changing conditions really turn on the sailfish bite.
Your Best Bet for the Week Ahead: Plan Ahead
No matter what the wind is doing, it's imperative that you always have a plan before leaving the dock. Check the wind and radar and plan accordingly. The below websites are valuable tools for any angler. Just remember that forecasts are not always 100-percent accurate. Always use your own judgment while on the water.
Marine Weather Websites
