Key Largo and The Upper Florida Keys

Blackfin Tuna bite is hot and sailfish are on the way to the Florida Keys. Blackfin tuna have been the story offshore this last month. The Islamorada Humps have been providing the best action with multiple hook ups the rule rather than exception. We have been trolling feather on light fluorocarbon leader to trick these footballs into biting. They are great fun to catch and even better to eat. The fish have been running from 4 to 15 pounds the last couple of weeks. The larger fish over 20 pounds should start to make an appearance shortly in the Florida Keys. The Mahi Mahi or dolphin fish have not made their run south as yet. Each year, the larger fish that have traveled to the Carolinas migrate back south in search of warmer water as the ocean cools north of us. We have caught a few but the migration has yet to kick in. It may coincide with the winter sailfish migration this November which would produce tremendous action live baiting just off the reef. The fall dolphin are the biggest of the year with few fish less than twenty pounds. We landed a 54 pound dolphin last year during Thanksgiving week. Sailfish should start their migration in November as the cold fronts start to find their way south. The weather this morning has a cold front stalled over North Florida with temps in the 50’s. This one will not make it to us as the high temps are still in the upper 80’s but it won’t take long before these cold fronts visit the Florida Keys. The sailfish seem to show up every year with the first cold fronts in November and stay with us through April. We actually caught sailfish consistently throughout the summer months as this fishery gets better every year. Near 100 percent catch and release for sailfish the last 10-15 years has produced incredible numbers of these majestic fish. Also, the net ban for gill nets 15 years ago has increased the bait available for these prolific feeders to eat. Another success story for conservation and management has produced a tremendous winter time fishery here in the Florida Keys and Key Largo. The reef continues to produce a consistent bite of yellowtail snapper. Mutton snapper in 100-120 foot of water just outside the reef have also been hitting well. Large grouper are starting to show up at the reef also this fall. Reef fishing provides constant action and great table fare. Kids love to have constant action on the yellowtail snapper with the occasional grouper or large barracuda thrown in. The busy season is just around the corner here in the Florida Keys as the snow starts to fall up north. Key Largo rarely drops below 70 degrees for a high, even in January and February. Come down, enjoy the sunshine and have some fantastic fishing action here in paradise. Book early to ensure your day fishing in the Keys. Key Largo is just over an hour south of the Miami airport and only minutes north of Islamorada. We are two hours north of Key West but spend a night if you are heading down US 1. Call us at 1-877-DAUNTLESS.