Greetings from Key West!

Saltwater Angler has the information for flats fishing in Key West.

With the winds down to a manageable 8-14mph, the flats will be approachable for fly casting. Although the next week will bring cold days dipping into the 60’s. This doesn’t mean that with the sun up and clear skis there will be no shots at Bones or Permit. 

Getting out on the flats will bring its challenges.  But could be worth the trip on clear days with the sun high up warming the flats a bit. The Permit fishing remains a little quiet lately, but the Bonefish have been plentiful filling the void when the water temperature rises. 

For those still heading out onto the flats, keeping your cast low with side cast will help with the winds. Keep an eye out for a tail tip breaking the water as the dig for tasty crabs. as well as any suspicious surface disturbance. This is called nervous water and can been a sign of feeding fish. Catching the low tide turn will find bones moving in to the flats to feed if the water temp doesn’t drop too low. Both Bonefish and Permit will be coming in to the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp if the sun heats things back up. 

This time of year we see a lot of smaller schools of Bones in the 4-6lb range. Just about any smaller crab flies or shrimp flies work very well. With water temperatures dropping, Tarpon could be difficult to get to feed. Cold weather brings difficulty on the flats. 

If the winds permit you to get out,  look for the warmest time of the day with lots of sun. Snapper, Cudas and Jacks are a great alternative to the more difficult fish and can make for a great day on the flats. Look for these fish closer to deep water pockets next to mangrove islands.