Redfish were the heroes of summer in the upper Florida Keys! They poured onto the flats in July and kept coming in August and September with no slow down in sight. They came in all sizes and for the most part had wonderful attitudes toward attacking flies or lures. Most days were pretty comfortable on the water with a 10 mile per hour southerly breeze during the past month. That weather pattern is breaking up some now and our traditional easterlies are returning. Sue & I had so much fun we spent the entire summer fishing here and on the last three trips she really was deadly feeding, hooking and landing redfish with a dozen or so bites on consecutive days. Capt Dave Denkert's anglers released over 50 redfish one day!





Redfishing was fun in 1974 add 37 years and it's still fun!



Redfish weren't the entire show this summer either! Recently snook have been showing in good numbers near Flamingo as well as trout and tripletail. Bonefishing has been spotty but improving in pockets around Islamorada. Permit, bonefish and tarpon fishing has been excellent in the lower and middle keys through the summer. Capt Drew Moret said "Several mornings in the park there were large shrimp hatches during flat calm at dawn.... For an hour or so you could almost walk on rolling tarpon in the 20 to 50 pound range!"

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Master angler Jim Trice of Islamorada fished with a Homestead friend and had a banner day with 3 bonefish, 2 redfish, a permit and cast to finicky snook for several hours as well.

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Jim Trice with a bonefish pushing 10 pounds



Looks like more of the same if this weather pattern holds through September and October! Lots of guides are available now. Best bet is to call us @ (305) 664-5423 or book a trip online.


Sandy's Angling Tip of the Month


There's a time and a fish to whack with the rod on the strike! - Most salty situations call for a long firm and steady strip to set the hook once a saltwater fish has engulfed the fly. This works especially well on bonefish and permit that generally accelerate away when they feel the hook. Their departure speed and the tension you create will move the hook enough to seat it in the lip or jaw of these rubber mouthed fish. Other fish with hard boney mouths such as snook, tarpon or redfish often require an additional step. If one of those critters shuts his mouth on a fly and you come tight with a long steady strip, the power of the jaws often hold the line in a viselike grip not allowing the hook to penetrate. A good whack is in order! Look for the opportunity to use the whack when the fish is not accelerating away or the tippet will snap. Use good timing and the right amount of pressure and you'll catch more fish!


Florida Keys Outfitters
MM 81.2 Oceanside
Islamorada
FL | 33036

info@floridakeysoutfitters.com
Phone
305-664-5423
Website
http://floridakeysoutfitters.com