Key West Report

[Marlinmate]

My buddy and I Just got back from a 5 day "bender" to Key West to visit my little brother who has been a resident for about 5 years now. It just so happens that Fantasy Fest was happening the same time I was down there. (coincidence?) The wife sure thinks so. I have pics, but I'm sure they would get zapped from the post. For those that don't know about fantasy fest, picture Mardi Gras with clothing optional. It was nuts!!

The weather was snotty to say the least and got blown out on Day 1. Woke up on Day 2 to overcast and a stiff wind blowing. Lil Bro's boat (20ft Center Console with 150 E-Tec) fired right up and we decided to stick our noses out on the reef. We could see the charter boats off in the distance working the reef so we pounded our way out in a nasty 2-4 swell.

Put out 1 planer rigged with wire and blue/white islander/ballyhoo combo since wahoo bite was good previous few days, 2 flat lines staggered with various lures/baits on them and one wwwb line down the middle rigged with wire leader and a pink/silver/white mini-jet.

Five minutes after lines in, wwwb starts singing. AVET reels make a sweet sound for those that haven't heard. I grab the rod and look way back and see a SAILFISH flopping around. This is my lil-bros first sailfish on his boat and first billfish caught on a custom rod I made him last season. 20 minutes later, the sail comes to the side of the boat, a quick picture and a clean release. Fish swam away and we high fived.

Trolled for 2 more hours and got our A$$es handed to us as wind picked up. Worked inshore to the back country and loaded up on snappers, sharks and jacks.

Each night was capped off with a trip to Duvall St. to watch the festivities. Ever hear the old song "The Freaks Come out at NIght"?

Didn't make it offshore the rest of the time, but had a blast in the back country catching various species and a gigantic ray/skate that was easily as big as a poker table. Loaded up on ballyhoo for brothers freezer for future opportunites.

All in all a great trip. Great fishing, great friends, great family and great Viewing opportunities at Fantasy fest.

[shoefish]

Sounds like a hell of a time man. Never been to Key West, but it sounds like I should get down there.

[gradywhite273]

Sounds like a hell of a time man. Never been to Key West, but it sounds like I should get down there.

great job on the fish guys, shoe you got to go to key west

[Marlinmate]

Shoefish....you should plan a trip next October sometime if you want to see Fantasy Fest at its finest. If not, anytime during the y ear, you can catch fish. google images and fantasy fest and see what pops up.

It will blow your mind.