Key West

[greenboat]

I am looking at a three day fish trip to Key West in early January-- What can i expect fishwise (small tunas/ sails a preference- too early probably) and how is the flats bite in early january---

Any guide suggestions appreciated--

[hamptonsurf]

Its not a bad time to go, but i don't think it is prime fishing time. Most of my time is spent the flats as I rarely go offshore in winter down there. You can get into some decent tarpon, jacks are aways available and pretty much the same with the bones....I don't think you will find anything running real hard..BUT, Islamorada and the keys are the "sportfishing capital of the world" so to speak....there is always something to be caught.

Guides I can;t help with. Only done a flats guide 2x, one was great, the other was horrible. So I wont offer any more than that. Try looking into renting a flats skiff if you are comfortable with boating....its not hard to push a pole, but be sre you can find your way home....it all looks the same when its white sand a 2 ft of water. "Robbie's" rents a number of boats of different sizes but thre are many other places. Best of Luck...if you are in Key West on New years...be prepared. Its a ton of fun, but kind of scary at the same time.

[Bob Parsons]

I did a three day trip last march. Fishing outside was tough due to the winds., but did get out for a few hours one day. Spent a day wreckfishing and hooked up to some really big fish, too big for the tackle we were using. When the wind picked up on the day went went outside, the second half of the day was up in among the islands where I got my first weak fish. I stayed with the same guide whose large center console proved to be quite versatile. I did some a few flats boats out there but do not know how they were doing. Do a Key west search of the florida forums an you should find some guide names.

[Tarpon41]

I am looking at a three day fish trip to Key West in early January-- What can i expect fishwise (small tunas/ sails a preference- too early probably) and how is the flats bite in early january---

Any guide suggestions appreciated--

Weather is everything that is the fronts if you are before and its sunny the flats are alive and if it's under 6 foot seas offshore is good also...I fish flATS, fly only and I use Simon Becker and Will Benson...this the off season so you have good choices of guides..IMO I'd wait get there and check the weather if good book if bad wait until good but key west is a great place if you are comfortable with all life styles exemplified by a Hemmingway tournament on one corner and a reading of Tennesse Williams on another corner. But I cannot think of a better placed to fish AND if you cannot fish no better place to be land locked...never have felt uncomfortable at any hour

[greenboat]

Thanks guys-- I will be booking solely to fish--I wont have the luxury of waiting out the nice days--Would you guys suggest further north or are the flats pretty consistent this time of year--

Guide suggestions appreciated

[Capt.ChrisLembo]

Key West has peak fishing from early December through May for offshore/reef/wreck. April-June for Tarpon(flats and harbor). May-July for Permit and Bonefish. Dolphin peak is April-May then tons of smaller fish until August/Sept.

If you are looking offshore you can expect Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo an occassional Dolphin and plenty of King Mackerel.

On the reef you will find big Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Cobia, Sharks, Porgies, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel an occassional Dolphin, and other misc bottom fish.

Wrecks (DEEP 200'+)will hold Amberjack, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, Red Snapper.

Wrecks (shallow 30-120') will hold Cobia, King Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper.

January is the start of the winter weather cycle which is: a few nice days followed by wind moving NW and picking up 20-30 (fish turn off just prior to front) stays for 1 day then moves NE and gradual drop over couple of days to NE 10-15 with excellent fishing. Then a couple of calm days and then another front cycle starts. Sometimes they are stronger than others and sometimes last longer than others.

The CC boats are versitile since you can go wherever a big boat can go (but faster) but you can also cross shallows to wrecks around the Marquesas, and fish flats edges if it is really blowing. A couple of full days will get you time in on offshore, reef and wreck and a third day you could hit a bunch of Gulf wrecks as well.

[Bob Parsons]

Capt Chris was my guide for the three days. My goal was to catch a wide variety of fish. I did catch a wide variety, especially snappers. While it was early in the season, and I did not hook up, I think we had a legitimate shot at tarpon the one morning we tried. After that we tried for shark. No hook-ups, but boy did a big one come close. It was exciting enough to see it show up in our chum slick. I truly enjoyed my time on the water with Capt Chris. And my wife really enjoyed his suggestion for a local place to eat.

[Frankie G]

I don't have their contact info off hand,but I have fished with Greg Shehertz on KW out of his CC "the Calcutta" and cught numerous tarpon and permit (on spinning)....for flats and the fly, use Tim Rowland. He has a flats boat and I have fished the Marquesa flats with him on occassion. I bet if you google those names you will get some contact info.

Frank

[e-sea-e]

[QUOTE=Capt.ChrisLembo;221430]

If you are looking offshore you can expect Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo an occassional Dolphin and plenty of King Mackerel.

QUOTE]

nothing like live chumming pilchards in january and watching kings and wahoo EXPLODE out of the water chasing them.

Ive been down there in january many many times, and the above were the species we caught offshore, although we caught far fewer sails than the others. january is a great time for offshore down there if the weather stays good.

[Capt. John]

Go offshore in Jan. if weather allows. With a 3 day window it's iffy at best to get 2 days of good fishing in. Alot of $$ to book the 3 days in advance...my advice would be talk to a guide in advance and let him know the deal, if you can get some decent fishing in for a day or two you will gladly caugh up the cash and fish with him. The guides can be hungy that time of year and if he's a decent guy he will work with you.....

[Tarpon41]

GB:

Forgot to add a specific winter flats fish...B'cuda...on fly rod or light spin makes a bonefish walk...plus they jump

[greenboat]

Thanks guys-- i am pulling together plans now but may move north (Miami) and hit sails and hopefully some tarpon at the cut ---