Florida Keys Fishing: Hit the reef for great action!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Although the dolphin bite has improved, the reef remains the go-to venue for consistent action.
As the waters become increasingly warmer, the greater depths provide steadier action than the shallows. There are plenty of yellowtails with a nice mingling of mangroves and muttons.
Good keeper size yellowtails are being caught 45 to 50 feet and deeper, and there are reports of flags up to 22 inches coming in everyday.
The night mangrove bite has really turned on in the 40- to 60-foot depths, with lots of three- to six-pound fish taken on pinfish and pilchards. They’re also taking chunks of ballyhoo drifted back in the slick.
When night fishing, remember to douse all outboard lighting as it spooks the mangroves. Use your interior and anchor lights only.
The wrecks are still holding a few muttons and amberjacks. And, there are keeper grouper on the deep edge of the reef in 80 to 90 feet of water.
Now that the full moon has passed, fishing for dolphin has most definitely come alive. There are loads of schoolies with occasional bigger fish in the 20- to 30-pound class. Tons of sub-legal fish are out there too, so be sure to measure any you think are close to the 20-inch fork limit.
Finally, if you’re bay-bound, the mangroves will provide angling fun and a delicious dinner.
Capt. Chris Johnson is a member of the Yamaha National Fishing Team and specializes in offshore, gulf/bay, reef/wreck, shark and tarpon fishing with SeaSquared Charters out of the 7 Mile Marina in Marathon. You can reach him at 305.743.5305, SeaSquared@bellsouth.net and www.SeaSquared-Charters.com.
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