Key Largo to Key West
Includes Islamorada and Marathon

October 2-4

Keys Wide Forecast

One week after I made up what I thought might be an eye-opening fishing report for the future, I find myself dealing with new calls for more restrictions on Florida anglers. That’s right, barely a week and another fishery is on the table for closure. And the part that stings the most is that the attack comes from within.

Yes, this week we will talk about what’s being caught and what to expect for the coming week. But I do feel the need—no, the responsibility—to inform you of what’s happening in your fisheries. It’s very easy to read, or hear about, some of these issues and say to yourself, “That’s all right with me. I don’t fish for that species.” And that’s one of the reasons that we lose so many of these battles. Until the battle comes to your doorstep, it seems to do little to pique your interest. Well, before you know it, it will not only be at your doorstep, it will be in your boat and deciding what you fish for.

The issue hitting us now is permit. There seems to be a small group of anglers (yes, anglers) that would like to see permit moved to catch and release only. The main champions of this “initiative” seem to be The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and Florida Keys Flats Guides Association, from what I’ve been able to find.

Of course, there seems to be little to no science backing the potential catch and release format, not even by the government scientists regulating us out of all our favorite bottom fisheries. Simply put, most would agree that permit don’t need increased protection. As it stands, pompano and permit are protected under the same guidelines. Pompano and permit have a slot of 11 to 20 inches to the fork. Recreational anglers can take six per day, with one over the 20-inch max (no more than two over 20 inches per boat).

This initiative has been in the works for a while, and most of us saw it as being so far- fetched that we paid little attention to it. I include myself as not being concerned about this issue when I first heard of it. Now here I am writing about it because it is actually on the table for consideration. This is an issue being brought on all of us by fellow anglers, using the FWC as a mechanism to implement the potential catch-and-release format in state and federal waters. Now isn’t this a change. This just goes to show you how fast the tide can turn.

Without taking up too much of your time reading it from me, check out the July issue of Florida Sportsman to read an expose by Mike Conner, highlighting the potential catch and release format and a possible “kill tag” for permit. Also, check the Florida Sportsman Fishing Forum and navigate to the Conservation Front section to see what your fellow anglers and Florida Sportsman readers are saying. You can also find me on the Forum under the screen name: Got TA Go.

Now, on to the reports. Around the Keys, things have been good for fishing. The light winds have brought us smooth seas and great visibility. Divers have been taking advantage of the conditions to get out and score some nice lobster dinners and hunt for grouper while the season is still open.

Offshore has seen a pickup in both dolphin and wahoo activity for anglers trolling in the blue water. Dolphin have been deeper than we’d like (650 feet) but at least they are there. While you’re offshore searching for dolphin, make sure that you have something ready for tuna, too. The Marathon Hump and the End-of-the Bar off Key West were good to anglers willing to make the trip. Anglers in and around Cudjoe Key have also found blackfins around the Wilkes Barre wreck and American Shoal. Reports for the Upper Keys have been sparse due to the weather, but reports I’ve received say that the area North of Cay Sal has been red hot for blackfins.

The gulf side has also been one of the top producers, but be ready to make a longer ride than normal to get to deeper/cooler water. With this week’s cold fronts passing through, we should see the water temps start to drop which will get the fish on the move.

Catch ‘em Up…While You Still Can!

Capt. Rob Harris | www.conchyjoeskw.com