Marathon- Florida Keys Fishing Report: September 26, 2008

LIVING THE DREAM

As a child of the Florida Keys I was naturally destined for a career in fishing. Before I could even walk my father would load my crib onto his old 23-foot Skylark and take me along on trips. Most of my earliest memories involve being on the water, and almost every weekend through elementary school I spent snapper fishing in Florida Bay or diving for lobster with my parents.

Yes even at a young age I was able to appreciate the wonderful and abundant fishery of the Florida Keys, and I spent most of my free time learning all that I could about every aspect of fishing. One of my first jobs was cleaning boats at a local marina in Marathon.

It was hard work but it allowed me to surround myself with some of the best and most experienced fishing captains in the world. The knowledge that I absorbed from them, and the firsthand experiences I gained assisting around the docks and mating on charter boats, helped shape me into the captain I am today.

I’ve been running boats now for over 10 years and I still enjoy being on the water today as much as I did then. The challenge to find the fish- and the chance to compete against such talented charter captains- never seems to get old. Fishing is my life, and there’s no place I’d rather be living than in the Keys.

If you’re fortunate enough to be down this way- living the dream permanently, or even for just a day- now’s the time to get out there and enjoy this most extraordinary of resources.

Fishing in Marathon and the Middle Keys continues to be excellent. Captain Josh Gilmartin, of the Best Bet II, reports that mutton snapper and amberjack have been very active between 120 and 250 feet of water. Just look for any structure that may hold bait and the hard fighting pinks and reef donkeys should be there waiting. Hold on tight and enjoy the battle.

Offshore we have been catching solid numbers of gaffer size dolphin between 10 to 15 pounds. Pitching live pilchards or skipping ballyhoos in the 600 to 650 foot range should help bring home some tasty fillets. It may not be long before the cold fronts move in and drive the fish out so get offshore now while the dolphin are still plentiful.

On the deep reef the yellowtail fishing has been steady when the current and wind are going in the same direction. Many sizable fish have been taken lately and the large flags should still be out there. Don’t forget to load up on the chum before heading out.

As far as bait goes, the pilchards have started showing back up in good numbers. Try and load up the well with this excellent baitfish and you’ll have a chance at catching almost any species of Florida Keys fish.

Your BEST BET for the week ahead: Fish the Patch Reefs

Over the next few weeks start looking for large mangrove snapper to begin appearing on the patch reefs in 25 to 35 feet of water. They aren’t here just yet, but it should only be a matter of time. Use live pinfish on a 1/4 to 5/8 ounce jig head- depending on the current- and if the water is clear be sure to use six feet of fifteen pound fluorocarbon leader. If the water is murky it’s good to be safe and use a heavier leader up to thirty pounds.

Good luck and good fishing!