October Key West Fishing Report
October is always a great turning point in the weather and the fishing in the Keys. The temperature becomes tolorable again and there is nearly always some perfect opportunities for great fishing on the flats and in the offshore waters.
Bonefish and permit are among the top species on the flats this time of the year. These fish represent two of the three species to complete a grand slam. The other is a tarpon which are still available in the scaled down version weighing 10- to 50- pounds.
Bonefish are available all over the Keys. From the Marquesas to Key Largo these silver ghosts of the flats are a pleasure to fight and no matter how much they weigh they are a perfect fish for light tackle and fly fishing.
A go-to bonefish fly pattern would be a foxy clouser or tan and white clouser. It works well on sand bottom and darker bottom flats too. For spin fisherman they can enjoy casting a light spinning outfit with 10- pound test line and a live shrimp. Sometimes a split shot is needed to get the shrimp to land just perfect and not be swept away by the current.
Permit fishing is at one of its peaks this month through November. Large permit come up on the flats to feed during the strongest points of the tide. I live crab or an immitation in the form of a fly are your best opportunities.
The offshore waters begin a transition this month. Deep sea fishing will be filled with tremendous opportunities to catch dolphin, sailfish, wahoo, blackfin tuna, amberjack, kingfish, cobia, snapper and grouper.
Getting out on the water while you are visiting the Keys is essential. Here are a few charter captains to contact for a trip:
Capt. Bennett Taylor - Outer Limits Sportfishing
305-923-1043 - www.keywestcharterboat.com
Capt. Barry Andrews - Eva Marie
www.keywestbaitandtackle.com
Capt. Jay Weed - Lucky Charm
305-304-0208
Capt. Justin Rea - Key West Fly Fishing
Flats Fishing
305-744-0903 - www.flyfishingthekeys.com
Key West Flats Fishing
305-294-3618 - www.keywestflatsfishing.com
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