Summer snappers

Summer is in full swing and you never really know what you’re going to catch. We started our day off today catching a few sharks and muttons on the reef. After that we headed offshore to a deeper wreck where we were able to catch lots of different fish on vertical jigs. We landed a few nice blackfin tunas some big amberjacks and a handful of bonitos. All in all an almost perfect 6-hour trip. We had lots of action a few big ones and plenty to take home and eat. You just can’t beat that.

Big jacks for some little guys

Today I got to take out an awesome fathers and sons combo. Two dads and their young sons both seven and eight road out with me today on our 6-hour charter. We headed to a wreck in 150 where we caught a few barracudas and some small jacks along with eight big yellow tails we kept for lunch.

We then moved to a deeper wreck in almost 400 ft where we set up for some big jacks so the boys could battle something really big. Right away we hooked up and the boy 7 and 8 mind you teamed up and landed a nice jack about 45 lb all by themselves! After that it was one big jack after the other landing multiple fish over 40 and 50 lbs.

Little Bit of Everything

Today I fished a full day charter here in Key West FL, with one of my favorite crews. Cory and his dad Alberto have fished with me for years. Our first trip was not long after I started my business back in late 2017. Our game plan was to do a little bit of everything and that’s exactly what we did.

We started our morning off by catching live threadfin herring on sabiki riggs. After we had 25 to 30 baits in the livewell we headed out towards the end of the bar west of Key West. The truck was about 16 miles for out bait spot. We anchored up in 140 feet and put our live baits out. It wasn’t long before we had steady action. We caught three nice King mackerels along with lots of Bonita’s and 3 nice Blackfin tuna.

After a morning of live baiting we switch gears and started bottom fishing. We moved about 5 mi back to the east and fished a wreck in 120 ft. We caught two Black groupers and two amberjacks along with one Margate. After only a short while we moved again East to a wreck in about 110 ft where we caught four nice mutton snappers and four beautiful black groupers.

Grouper season is still closed however so all five groupers we caught today were healthily released back to be caught another day. May 1st is fastly approaching and I’m excited to be able to keep some groupers. One of the best eating and best fighting fish we have here in Key West. But to wrap things up today was a beautiful day flat calm seas comfortable temperatures lots of action truly a near perfect day on the water. Can’t thank my loyal repeats enough coming back and seeing me year after year.

 

Key West fishing has all the possibilities

So many options as far as styles of fishing here in Key West Florida. You have styles like bottom fishing, trolling, live bait, jigging, free lining, and that’s just the name the most common. Along with a numerous number of species to be caught. Everything from snappers, groupers, sharks, jacks, barracudas, mackerels, and lots and lots more.

Today we went out and fished a full day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. . We caught close to a 10 species. We also filled the cooler up with Mutton snappers. My anglers had some Mutton for dinner and lots more to freeze and send home.

Key West at its Best – Bull Shark Fishing Florida

We had absolutely beautiful weather this morning. Seas were calm and the temperature was almost perfect. We started our days catching some live baits. After about 30 minutes we had all we needed. We then headed to a deep wreck in about 350 feet. We landed big Amber jacks one after the other. With our arms and backs tired it was time to put some fish in the cooler for lunch.

We headed to a wreck in 150 feet where we had all the action we could handle. We caught snappers, sharks, groupers, barracudas and that’s just to name a few. It didn’t take long and we had more than enough fish in the cooler. With the remainder of our trip we put down our biggest rod in hopes of a big sharks. We didn’t have to wait long. The fight lasted about 30 minutes to get the fish boat side. It was a 300+ lb Bull shark. A perfect ending to our Key West fishing charter. After a few pictures we let the shark go and headed for home.

Winter fishing is Hot

With winter setting to in the fishing is really heating up. We’re seeing lots of blackfin tunas, sailfish, King mackerel, along with lots of snappers and groupers. Grouper season will be coming to a close January 1st. Some of the best grouper fishing is in December before seasons end.

Today’s trip I had a father son combo fishing here in Key West all the way from Australia. It was their first time in the keys and we had a near perfect day on the water. We started our morning off catching yellowtail snappers and some Ballywho’s for bait. We then headed out to a few different wrecks where we caught snappers, sharks, jacks, a sailfish, and few barracudas.

Key West Tuna fishing

As fall is setting in and the water temperature is starting to drop. The blackfin tuna here in Key West are beginning to show up. The fight has been consistent for the past week and I only expect the fish to become more and more prevalent. Snappers and grouper are also working back into shallower water with the reduction in water temp. Here a few pictures from my recent trip with a client that came all the way from England to get some world famous Key West fishing.

Mahi season has arrived

We had a bit of a slow start to our mahi-mahi fishing here in Key West. In the past few days finally the fishing has gotten much better. Hopefully the bite continues to get better and better and we can start catching some really nice fish. Here a few pictures of some of the recent Mahi fishing trips.

Key West, a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offers an exhilarating experience in pursuit of the vibrant and acrobatic Mahi-Mahi. Also known as dolphin fish or dorado, Mahi-Mahi are prized for their striking colors, fierce fights, and delectable taste. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of fishing for these ocean gems, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to score big in the waters of Key West.

**1. ** Gear Up: Before you hit the waters, ensure you have the right gear. A medium to heavy-action spinning rod or conventional reel combo is preferred. Opt for a sturdy 20-30 lb test line, as Mahi-Mahi are known to put up spirited fights.

**2. ** Lure Selection: Mahi-Mahi are known for their attraction to bright colors and flashy lures. Popular choices include feather lures, skirted trolling lures, and artificial bait that mimic small fish. Their curious nature often prompts them to investigate and strike these eye-catching offerings.

**3. ** Natural Bait: Live bait is a strong contender when it comes to Mahi-Mahi fishing. Small to medium-sized live baits like pilchards, ballyhoo, and squid can entice these predators. The lifelike motion of live bait can trigger Mahi-Mahi strikes even from a distance.

**4. ** Fishing Techniques: Trolling is a prevalent method for targeting Mahi-Mahi. Set your trolling speed between 5 to 8 knots and cover different depths to find where the fish are congregating. Keep a variety of lures and baits at different distances behind the boat to increase your chances.

**5. ** Spotting the Signs: Mahi-Mahi often travel in schools beneath floating objects like seaweed, debris, and buoys. When you spot these, slow down or stop your boat and cast your lures or bait near the structure. These floating objects act as natural havens for baitfish, making them prime Mahi-Mahi hunting grounds.

**6. ** Surface Action: Mahi-Mahi are known for their vibrant colors as they dart near the surface. Look out for their acrobatic displays, which include leaping out of the water. If you see one, chances are there are more nearby. Cast your lure or bait towards the fish to provoke a strike.

**7. ** Hook Set and Fight: Once you feel a strike, don’t immediately jerk the rod. Give the fish a moment to fully take the bait before setting the hook with a solid pull. Mahi-Mahi have soft mouths, so maintain steady pressure to avoid tearing the hook loose. Their vigorous fights are what make them a prized catch, so be prepared for some reeling and maneuvering.

**8. ** Size and Regulations: While catching Mahi-Mahi is a thrilling adventure, it’s important to adhere to size and bag limits set by local regulations. Mahi-Mahi have minimum size requirements to protect their population and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

 

What a week to fish in Key West !!

Over the past week, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible fishing moments that have kept me occupied from sunup to sundown. As the days unfolded, I found myself immersed in the thrill of the catch, encountering a variety of fish species that made each trip unique and exciting. Join me for a quick recap of my fishing escapades from the past week, where I’ve crossed paths with some remarkable marine creatures.

Yellowtail Snapper – The Unmistakable Beauties:

One of the highlights of the week was the successful pursuit of Yellowtail Snapper. These vibrant and striking fish are known for their distinctive yellow tails and light silver bodies. Renowned for their delectable taste, Yellowtail Snapper are a favorite among anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike. The challenge lies in their cautious nature, making them a rewarding catch for those who master the art of finesse. Landing one of these beauties requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of their habits.

Monster Barracudas – Predators of the Deep:

Another exhilarating encounter during my fishing spree was with the monster barracudas. These apex predators are known for their impressive size, sharp teeth, and lightning-fast strikes. Barracudas are often found lurking near reefs and wrecks, using their swift movements to surprise unsuspecting prey. Their silver bodies with dark markings create a menacing appearance, making them both fascinating and slightly intimidating to reel in. The battle to bring in a monster barracuda is an adrenaline-pumping experience that tests an angler’s strength and strategy.

Big Amberjacks – A Test of Strength:

The week wouldn’t be complete without the thrill of battling big amberjacks. These powerful fish are synonymous with strength and endurance, often putting up a formidable fight once hooked. Amberjacks are known to dwell around wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures, and their willingness to challenge anglers makes them a sought-after catch for those seeking an intense fishing adventure. Successfully reeling in a big amberjack requires not only skillful angling techniques but also a physical stamina to overcome their relentless resistance.

Exploring the Diverse Waters:

Venturing out on windy days, I had the opportunity to explore nearshore waters, where the challenge of fishing for sharks, snappers, and groupers awaited. The dynamic conditions added an extra layer of excitement, as the wind whipped across the waves. Sharks, with their enigmatic presence, put anglers’ nerves to the test, while snappers and groupers showcased their cunning nature by seeking shelter amidst the underwater structures.

Beyond the shallows, the deep blue waters presented a captivating sight as sailfish, tunas, and cobias emerged from the depths. The elegance of sailfish, the speed of tunas, and the strength of cobias all showcased the diverse marine life that calls these deep waters home. These encounters serve as a reminder of the vast and awe-inspiring ecosystem that exists beyond the shoreline.

Booking Your Fishing Adventure:

With April quickly approaching, there’s no better time to plan your own fishing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner eager to cast your first line, I’m here to guide you through an unforgettable experience on the water. The first week of April has some availability, and there are still a few days open in the following weeks as well. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories and reel in the catch of a lifetime. Give me a call, and together, let’s embark on a journey of good times and tight lines. Your next fishing adventure awaits – let’s make it extraordinary!

 

 

Lady luck aboard the ALL IN

We’ve been having some seriously awesome fishing trips lately. The weather has been great, and we’ve had some amazing people joining us on the water. I’ve been lucky to have some skilled female anglers on board the “All-In,” and let me tell you, they’ve been killing it.

Here’s a quick rundown of the recent highlights from our trips, where the ladies have been showing off their fishing skills:

African Pompano – The Mystery Catch:

One standout catch of the week is the African Pompano. These fish are kind of mysterious – they like hanging out in deep waters and don’t come easy. But our awesome anglers managed to reel them in. It takes skill to attract these sneaky fish and then bring them onboard. African Pompano have a unique look and taste great, making the effort totally worth it.

Blackfin Tuna – Fast and Furious:

Another exciting catch we had was the Blackfin Tuna. These guys are known for their speed and feisty attitude when caught. They put up a real fight, but our anglers were up to the challenge. With their cool black fin markings, these tunas made the trips even more thrilling. Feeling the tug of these speedy swimmers and nailing the technique for catching them gave our female anglers some real excitement.

As we look back on these recent trips, it’s clear that fishing isn’t about gender – it’s about passion and skill. The ladies on the “All-In” have shown they can rock the fishing scene just as well as anyone else.

If you’re itching for your own fishing adventure, now’s the time to hop aboard with us. Whether you’re a fishing pro or a newbie eager to learn, we’re ready to welcome you. The first week of April is filling up, and there are a few spots left in the following weeks too. Don’t miss out on a chance to join us for a fishing trip that’s all about fun, learning, and the thrill of the catch. Get in touch, and let’s plan a fishing memory you’ll never forget. We’re pumped and ready to make it happen!