Florida Keys Fishing Report
Find out where the fish are running with our weekly fishing reports from the Florida Keys, Miami Offshore and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Offshore:
There were no charterboats reporting any offshore trips this past week. The prognosis is still and will remain Blackfin Tuna on and near our two hump areas.
The Islamorada Hump is the closest which is 12 miles a 130 degrees offshore from Whale Harbor Channel Headpin. The 409 hump is South from the Whale Harbor/Islamorada area is about five miles farther. Dragging two feathers way back
is the standard method for getting the Tuna bite. Always scan 360 for bird activity and bait showers to locate peripheral schools of fish.

Reefs:
The 46th Islamorada Sailfish Tournament was held this past week with good action had by all thirty boats that fished. There were 93 anglers in this year's event. Day
one there were 111 releases, day two there were 92 releases and day three there were 54 releases for as total of 257 Sailfish released in all, eighteen of which were
tagged for research. 1st. place boat was WOUND UP with 25 fish. Second place boat was WEEEZ IN THE KEYS with 16 fish. 3rd. place boat was XXX with 14 fish. Other
than Sailfish, there has been good action on King Mackerel and Cero Mackerel.

Gulf and Bay:
The best bet this week was the Spanish Mackerel action in the near Gulf. Mixed in with the Mack's were some Seatrout (closed season) and Mangrove Snapper. If someone
on the boat wants a big pull, there are always Sharks of varying descriptions prowling. Just put down a Jack Crevalle or most any hunk of meat on a stout 30#
outfit and wait for the clicker to go off. Using circle hooks one would set up a little differently than using the traditional J hook. Take the rod out of the rod
holder then lock the brake, then don't jerk and just let the fish make the line tight and the circle hook will do what is designed to.

Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
A poll of guides at an Islamorada fishing dock recently tells the story of little or no business as most folks get ready for the holiday season. A few of the guys
grabbed a fly rod and took a ride to see what they could find. Capt. Dave B. tells of chasing a few Tarpon on a nearby flat and getting a few "shots" but no hook ups.
For rod bending action, the Flamingo area is as diverse as it gets and is probably the best bet. One can fish prime tides all day by running west towards the Cape
Sable area, then back to the east to find the preferred tidal situation again. Species include Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Jacks, Ladyfish, Black Drum,
Pompano and of course Sharks.