Florida Keys Fishing Report week of 9-24-18
Provided by:
http://www.IslamoradaSportFishing.com
(this report may be reproduced in any media format as long as credit is given to:www.islamoradasportfishing.com)

Offshore:
Bluewater fishing is arguably better now that anytime this season. The Dolphin are closer and there is variety with all the pelagic species being caught. The Indigenous caught 25 Dolphin and a Sailfish while trolling the Bluewater. On the Broadminded they went four for four on Swordfish last week. The Vera Vida and the Southern Comfort both had great catches of Dolphin in 650 feet of water with most fish needing the gaff. The Floridian out of Whale Harbor Marina had a nice day with a load of Dolphin and a Wahoo. Then a Blue Marlin comes to play, and they released that Blue estimated at 450 pounds. There have been Blackfin Tuna on the Islamorada Hump and on current edges. The Tuna are eating trolled feathers and are in the 5 to 10 pound range.
Reefs:
The Yellowtail Snapper bite is still very good. Captain Dave [usually the mate] on the Kay K IV ran a trip and they scored big time catching all the Yellowtail Snapper they needed. Look for the occasional Mutton of Mangrove Snapper while on the Yellowtail spot. Also, the Cero Mackerel will become more numerous on the reef. Look for King Mackerel in depths from 100 to 140 feet of water. Find a color change just off of the reef and there may be Sailfish and or Blackfin Tuna.
Gulf and Bay:
If you are looking for solitude, this is the region to fish. There are Trout and Mangrove Snapper available all over Florida Bay. In the Gulf look along the lines of Crab floats and find Tripletail. Anchor and chum and the variety will be great in depths from 6 to 12 feet of water. There are still plenty of Tarpon and of course Sharks for those who want a bug pull.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Other than some areas of Tannic water the backcountry is in fine shape. The tannic water is a product of rain water flowing down through the system and washing the Red Mangrove color down tide. It is totally normal and happens every year in summer and is not associated with any algae bloom. Along the mainland shoreline there are Snook and Redfish to be had. Out in the Flamingo and Cape sable area there are lots of Tarpon inhabiting the channels and up on banks chasing Mullet. There is a great opportunity to sight cast to the Tarpon at this time. Usually a crab on a spinning rod will do the trick. Of course, a variety of artificial baits including plug or fly offerings will also work. The bread and butter species, the Trout, Jacks and ladyfish will be found in off color water and will take a jig nicely.

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