Hello Anglers! We at the Saltwater Angler wish you a warm and sunny welcome from our little slice of Key West paradise!

KEY WEST FLATS FISHING

It’s October here in the Florida Keys and it the time of year we all look forward to, flats are less crowded and fish are not being pressured so heavily. Some tarpon are still around in smaller groups. All thought many of the larger migratory fish have pushed thru. There have still been a few larger fish caught, but a majority of the tarpon are on the smaller size. Early morning is the best time to try and find Tarpon rolling at first light. Darker fly patterns are the way to go in the early morning (black and purples) with lighter colors working better in the afternoon. 

Plenty of Bonefish and Permit are on the flats this time of year, so keep an eye out for schools of shadows pushing water across sand and mottled bottom. As temperatures start to drop Barracudas will begin to start and lay up in the current and find pot holes on flats trying to find an easy meal, giving angler a great opportunity to try and catch one. Best caught using something flashy and moving fast with a bait-fish profile.

KEY WEST OFFSHORE FISHING

 Mahi-Mahi are still being caught offshore. Lots of little schoolies around recently with bigger fish mixed in. Fish have been found as shallow as 300-400 feet. Trolling skirted ballyhoo and daisy chains are a great way to get them fired up and eating. Also be on the lookout for flocks of bird diving on bait. This is usually a great indication there are fish underneath them feeding as well.  

Keep a few spinning rod ready to pitch a bait once you hook one. with colder water temperatures approaching bait will start making there way into the keys. Once the bait shows up Tuna are not far behind. These fish can be targeted on spinning outfits and fly rods giving angler an amazing opportunity to target them. They don’t  make bad table fair either which is a huge bonus. The Reef bite has been fairly decent. Plenty of Red Grouper and Mutton Snapper around. The Yellowtail snapper bite has been great as usual, and makes for great table fare.

 Tight lines,

Saltwater Angler