Key West Fishing Report
Winter Backcountry Fishing
Key West fishing report winter backcountry fishing is full of surprises. Although we don’t get super cold here, January and February are our coldest months. We expect temperatures to drop down into the 50s, which will in turn lower our water temperatures. The backcountry is the first place to notice lower water temperatures as the water columns are not as deep so they are easily affected by cold north winds. How will this affect the fishing? Let’s get into that.
Key West Fishing Report
It’s mid January and we have not had a super hard cold front just yet, but one is on the way. It looks like next week we will be down in the 50s at night quickly recovering back up to the 70s during the day. Backcountry becomes very popular this time of year because of the higher winds and people wanting to avoid the larger seas from deep sea fishing. We are expecting winds over 20 miles an hour for several days for the next few weeks.
January started off pretty good weatherwise with some nice warm days and some great fishing. People who booked our backcountry fishing charters on board 24 foot Bay boats experienced what I consider a treat with some nice tarpon fishing. Anytime we can get into Tarpon in the month of January. I consider it a gift. We had some good size fish held up in some secret spots that we were able to get to before winter set in.
Barracudas On the Flats
In addition to the Tarpon Fishing, we were experiencing during this past warming trend. The fishing was also good on the flats not necessarily for our tropical species but for a famous go to that we really love to Site fish for in the winter and that is the great barracuda. When we experience a warming trend site, Fishing for barracudas can be a huge blast. These fish will track a plugged down and get violent on the strike with a really good fight right off the bat. What’s also nice about the barracudas is they acclimate quickly when it does get cold making them a favorite target for winter fishing. We got into some nice ones here in the beginning of January.
Backcountry Fishing For Sharks
On the flats and in the shallows, especially around the mullet schools that congregate this time of year here in Key West, you will always find a good number of sharks, making their rounds, grabbing some dinner in between cold fronts. Shark species, such as bull sharks, lemon sharks, black tip, sharks and bonnet head sharks are prevalent. We like fishing for sharks in the shallows because the sight fishing adds to the thrill. We always carry specialized tackle just in case the sharks show up and somebody wants to catch one. It’s a great thrill, especially for the kids who want to catch something that may weigh more than they do.
Winter Flats Fishing
Many folks think that the winter kills the flats fishing, however we disagree. January can be a great month for permit fishing in the shallows. I often tell people as our resident flats Fishing Guide, that when the southeast winds come up in January with a warming trend, the permit will get up on the flats and feed. Permit are not super water temperature offended. I have fished the flats and caught permit in 66° water. The only thing I recommend you bring with you is patience and a little bit of skill with a spinning rod when Fishing for permit on the flats. When booking your trip if permit are on your list and you would like to book a trip to specifically target them in January or February even March I will let you know as the days approach what the weather looks like.
Backcountry Fishing Bonuses
Everyone loves a bonus, especially when we’re fishing. Large snappers such as muffin and snapper mangrove snapper and yellowtail. Snapper are not uncommon during the winter here in Key West. The great day and a full day charter we are able to get out towards the Marquesas Keys and focus on good eating snappers as part of our backcountry trips on board are 24 foot Bay boats. I often tell people it’s a lot like bass fishing in saltwater cast and catch. We are happy to take home enough for your dinner. However, this trip does not replace our reef fishing trip where we are catching as many fish for the cooler is a focus.
Key West Fishing Forecast
It’s hard to say what the Fishing will do in reaction to the cold front. We have coming up and the one behind that however what I do know is that the calm waters of the backcountry are a great place to be when you really wanna go fishing and you don’t wanna get beat up. I expect this winter to be a little bit cooler than most and that’s a good thing. It really draws a line in the sand for our upcoming tarpon fishing season which will start about mid March. With the cooler temps I expect the Pompano to come in and me Spanish mackerel to stick around with them. We will also get bluefish and the Jack crevalle fishing will be insane.
Book A Fishing Charter
There is only one way to book a fishing charter with us here at Dream Catcher Charters. That is by calling us direct. Anytime you book a Fishing charter you should always talk to someone in person. That way you know exactly what you’re supposed to get for your day of fishing. Your vacation time is too important to be left up to an online booking that may or may not be there for you.
When you call speak to Island Genn She will answer all your questions..
Call Us Direct 305-292-7212
Email us info@dreamcatchercharters.com
Text Us Direct 786-847-3808
Thank you for stopping by… I am Capt. Steven Lamp veteran Key West fishing guide and Owner of Dream Catcher Charters.
Office 305-292-7212
Text 786-847-3808
Email info@dreamcatchercharters.com
Dream Catcher Charters
5555 College Rd.
Key West, FL 33040