Greetings from Key West!

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

With the winds down to a manageable 8-14mp and the temperatures back up to mid 70’s, the flats will be should be very active with bonefish and permit again. This weather pattern should last all week until we get the next cold front. 

The Permit fishing has still  been a little quiet lately, but the Bonefish have been 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 as the sun heats things back up this week. 

This time of year we see a lot of smaller schools of Bones in the 4-6lb range but it’s still very possible to find them in the 8-10lb range too. Just about any smaller crab flies or shrimp flies work very well. With water temperatures on the rise, juvenile Tarpon should be actively feeding again. 

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. 

Cudas can be found over the flats sunning themselves atop sandy holes to keep warm. Cuda tubes or top water hard baits work great. Just remember to us a wire leader and keep it moving fast.