Middle Keys |
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| Written by Capt. Dave Navarro | |||
This will fire up the fishing just past the reef for anglers searching for sailfish. Not to say that it has been slow prior to the front. It has been some of the best action of the year lately on sails. The cooler waters to the north of us should be enough to bring that big push of kingfish into out waters. There have been large numbers of them off Lauderdale and Miami for several weeks now. They should be headed south as well as more sailfish. The reef fish should also be picking up on the new baitfish that will be pushed into their area. The yellowtail have been hot as a firecracker as of late and the muttons as well as groupers should be moving into a little shallower water to feed on the newly arrived bait fish that this front should provide. Look for more king fish activity along the patch reefs as well. The bay is one of the most consistent areas to fish lately. Most of the outer areas are full of mackerel but for those in search of mangrove snapper, this has been the place. Many recent reports of fish in excess of 18 inches have been common. These are big fish and from what I have heard, very plentiful. Most of this good action has been in the tall needle grass bottom areas from 5+ miles out. Baitfish are also in good supply including pinfish and ballyhoo. One thing to remember though, if you don't take good chum, don't bother to go! The cooler water temperatures along the West Coast of the state will push the cobia farther south as well as plenty of mackerel. The groupers that have been out in deeper water should be coming in to feed on all of the bait that these other species are following. Pilchards and glass minnows are moving in by the millions. For the best mackerel activity, head north about 8 to 10 miles and put out a good chum line. Once they show up, you can use anything that moves to catch one. This along with a variety of barracuda, sharks, jacks and other species has made plenty of targets for light tackle enthusiast. Most of the recent trips have had very happy anglers that have had great catches of mixed bags of fish. If you are in a small boat or without a boat at all and you do not want to charter a boat, most likely, you will be fishing around or on one of the area bridges. This is a good time of year for this as there are plenty of fish moving through these channels. Live bait has been tops for the snappers and jacks that are feeding on the huge push of baitfish that have been coming through. Nighttime has been the best. Hang on because you just might hook a snook or two while you are there. A reminder of this week's free fishing seminar is on fishing for sailfish and more. There will be discussions as well as presentations available. Now is the time that sails are prevalent along area reefs along with a host of other species. That's this Thursday at 6pm at our Marine Educational Center. Captain Dave Navarro is a lifelong resident of Marathon, Owner of the World Class Angler in Marathon and captain of the charter boat, “Dave's Dream.”
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Fishing report for 12-5-07 from D. M. Navarro @ The world class Angler in Marathon 
