Key Largo Reef Fishing

The weather has been spectacular in Key Largo making a run offshore for dolphin and out to the reef edge for snapper and grouper a pleasure. Be sure to bring plenty of chum as this will lead to live ballyhoo and speedos for the heavy lifters down deep. Some of my neighbors were requesting fresh fish for their family coming in town, so we ran out to the reef. Our first spot lacked luster with poor current, so we moved further north. Shortly after setting up and deploying chum at the second spot we had tight lines. It only took about an hour to get our 20 Yellowtail.{%image_id=44898%} The ballyhoo were thick behind the boat so I opted to throw the net and put some livies in the well and move on to a shallow patch reef for some grouper. A quick move in shallow and we were pulling grouper over the side. We wound up with 2 Gags and 1 Red. We had a really nice Red throw the hook right at the boat. Live bait was key! We did not catch one fish on dead bait. {%image_id=44897%} The backcountry has been active as well. Early morning and late afternoons are prime times this time of year as the temps reach the upper 90's. Be prepared to fend off mosquitos. Dress properly and carry repelent.