Key Largo to Key West
Includes Islamorada and Marathon

Oct. 17-20

KE

Keys Wide Summary

The fishing has been great for those that have gone. The only thing missing has been anglers. There are still so few boats on the water that you could go all day and not see another pleasure vessel. This is the time where it is so nice to fish and not be bothered by anyone on the radio. It is peaceful and tranquil, just like the post cards from the old days. If you enjoy that type of fishing, come on down!

Upper Keys Report

Boy has the action picked up on the bayside, particularly along the flats and nearshore islands. Trout and snook have been quite active as well as a good push of some large redfish. Most of the red action has been well into the backcountry near the mainland as well as some very nice snook. Things are active in the deep channels that pass through the area as well with a variety of snapper as well as plenty of action from jacks.

The reef is alive with yellowtail and some big mutton snapper. This phase of the moon is good for night fishing throughout the reef as well as some of the humps in Hawk Channel. Offshore, there has been a variety of fish within only several miles of the reef line. Sailfish have been strong this week just off the edge.

Middle Keys Report

The offshore action is just about the same as the Upper Keys with good weedlines noted inside of 600 feet of water with quite a few fish in spots. Wahoo have still been solid throughout the region. The reef is very good, especially at night for yellowtail and grouper. Mangrove are still strong, more so in Hawk Channel along with lane snapper. The area bridge channels have been solid with snapper and a surprising number of legal yellowtail. This has been a huge advantage for those in smaller boats that can not comfortably handle the reef when the easterly winds are somewhat up.

A surprising number of mackerel and kings have already moved into the area. Bay waters have been thick with good numbers of mangrove snapper and grouper. The deep bay wrecks have been holding cobia as well as permit. The flats on the Oceanside of the islands have been active with bonefish and some resident tarpon. The mornings are still the best for the flats.

Lower Keys Report

Gulf wrecks are about the hottest thing going in this region. The winds from the recent storms have really mixed things up in the Gulf. It seems to have moved quite a few baitfish around which in turn causes the predators to follow. Tarpon still have been around, particularly active in the evenings. The offshore action has not been too far off, which has offered action to most size vessels. Good dolphin as well as tuna action has been reported throughout the week. The reef has also been quite active with good grouper action as well as some very nice muttons in the deeper waters. Look for even more enhanced action along this area with a push of lane snapper on the patch reefs expected soon. It usually happens around this time of year. Divers are the best source of what’s where.

By Dave Navarro - wca@terranova.net

Captain Dave Navarro is a lifelong resident of Marathon, Owner of the World Class Angler in Marathon and captain of the charter boat, “Dave’s Dream.”

* 4cast updated each Thursday by 6:00 PM.