Key West and Lower Keys

Southeast Winds Bring Grand Slam Action A wind shift to the east southeast has dramatically increased the water temperatures and has improved the action for Bonefish and Permit on the flats. Tarpon have moved into Key West waters with the warm weather and the grand slam action should continue as long as the current pattern continues.A few tips to remember...When you jump that Tarpon, don't forget to lower rod rod tip (bow to the "Silver King") when the Tarpon jumps. This will help keep the hook lodged in the fish's mouth. In the photo below, the angler does a great job of "bowing". Permit offer the ultimate fly rod catch for many anglers here in the Keys. Remember to cast the crab fly close to the fish, then let in sink to the bottom. Resist the urge to strip the fly, stay tight by eliminating line slack and wait for the fish to eat the fly. When you feel the "tug" stip to set the hook. In the picture below, the angler proudly displays a 25 pound Permit. Bonefish are ready to eat 99 percent of the time. A correct presentation will generally succeed. Seeing them is the tough part, because they blend into the bottom so well. Study the bottom with a good pair of amber polarized sunglasses (glass not plastic) and look for moving shadows of fish. When sighted, don't panic, just make one or two false casts to judge distance and accuracy, then cast the fly so it lands in front of the path of the fish, within three or four feet of the fish. Let it settle to the bottom and watch the fish. Strip it a couple of times with four or five inch strips, then pause. If you see the fish react to the fly strip in again and if you come tight to the fish, wait till he starts to pull on your stripping line and begins to run before you raise your rod tip! The Bonefish in the picture below was about 7 pounds and took Capt. Dexter's "Sugarloaf Special" fly. Before you travel to the Keys contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a live report at 305-745-3304 or by email at [email protected]