December / Winter Key West Fishing Report
December is a terrific time for action on the flats of the Lower Keys. The water temperature is starting to cool down now which sends some fish to deeper water where the temperature is more constant. Other fish look to the shallow flats for warmth and for opportunity to find bait.
Barracuda are one of the best fighting gamefish we have for winter fishing. There pursuit of a lure is explosive as they zig zag back and forth trying to sink a tooth into it. Once they are hooked it’s off to the races. Barracuda not only peel light like off a reel at lightening speed, but they jump and thrash better than many fish just trying to shake the hook. Barracuda can be found all over the backcountry flats of the Lower Keys all the way to the Marquesas. They range from a few pounds up to 25- pound or more on the flats. The barracuda that lurk off the reef and wrecks can get even larger than that.
Other species that take to the shallows in the winter are ladyfish (called the poor man’s tarpon), jacks and sea trout. Many of these fish can be found in the mud slicks that form in the backcountry basins. Drifting over a mud slick a few times can produce a bent rod for everyone. It’s a great way to keep everyone busy. Larger Jack Crevalle spend more time on the flats in the winter. These gamefish can get upwards of 20- pounds and love to eat surface plugs.
Permit are still a good target species in the winter too. There are plenty on the flats and on the warmer days they can be very aggressive towards a live crab.
Bonefish may be found in deeper water during the winter months. They may approach a flat but may stay in 2 or more feet of water just to stay at a more constant temperature. Live shrimp are the best way to get these fish to eat and they too will peel light tackle line like no other fish.
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