Capt.PeteRowney
12-21-2006, 09:04 AM
Seasons Greetings from the Florida Keys! It's been a few weeks since my last posting so here's whats been happening. The redfish bite still continues to be really solid with everything from little rat reds to some solid fattys. Working ditches, shorelines and the skinny stuff has all worked but like anything else the tide is the key. The trout bite has been good out west with some nice fish in the 3 lb range being caught. The spanish mackerel fishing has been excellent out west. We managed to find some laid up tarpon out back a couple of weeks ago which was a nice surprise. While it may be winter, a hot, calm day can really fire things up. These fish weren't juveniles but in the 50-70 lb range and provided a nice ending to a day that had been full of big, tailing reds that had been tough to feed. We didn't land any but managed to jump three before we had to go home. Bonefishing has been good oceanside. As far as sightfishing for Keys bonefish goes, remember that you are attempting one of the toughest angling challenges. Making the most of opportunites is really needed to succeed. The more fish you can accurately present a fly to is only going to increase your odds for an eat. The times that you can dump a fly into a big group of fish is rare. More often than not, you're casting to singles, pairs or maybe a half dozen fish. To make it more difficult, it's not an endless flow of fish either. Many spots will have a small window when the fish come through and then the spot goes cold. Making the most of these opportunites many times means the difference between hooking up and going fishless. Why bother bonefishing if it sounds so difficult? Because it is fun! I love bonefishing. Sure it's a challenge but that is what makes it so rewarding. And remember, a ten pound bonefish in the Keys is respectable but not huge! I've seen bonefish here that would eat Bahamian and Belizian bones for breakfast! When everything comes together there is nothing quite like it. Hope everyone has a great holiday. Until next time- Pete.