Flying into Key West on Friday evening was spectacular. The wind was calm and skies were clear and the view of the Marquesas from the air was as picture perfect as it gets. No doubt about it, I love where I live. Hurricanes and all. That sunset and the view of the islands nestled in the glass calm of the Gulf of Mexico makes you get goosebumps and you can only hope when you get on the ground and head out fishing that your expectations are met.

My trip to South Dakota was rewarding. I have not been hunting in years and it was not only some fabulous pheasant hunting but a great time with some close friends. The thrill of the hunt is still there and somehow you can walk away with a whole new experience under your belt. It includes sharing the simple pleasure of meeting some great folks from another part of the country and mulling over a few cocktails and a friendly game of cards. It was a welcome break from cleaning up the yard after Wilma roared through just a month ago.

Back to the fishing…
While we were away I guess bait was a little easier to find and the offshore fishing for tuna had turned on a bit. I decided to get out there and see what the deep sea had to offer. The bad news was the wind has shifted and bait was scarce. Fishing was not the problem, it was the high seas and the no live bait factor. After all, we had our eyes set on tuna on a fly rod. This time of year it’s just heating up for tuna fishing but there is always a hope for a few early on to feed that sashimi hunger we get here in the Keys. There is nothing in the world like fresh seared tuna! For those of you coming to the Keys for the holidays, you are still in luck as the cold front will pass and tuna fishing will more than likely be on fire here in a few weeks and through the new year.

On the flats it’s been a little tough with the cooler temperature waters. This time of year is really great for action on barracuda, sharks, jacks, grouper and snapper. There are permit around too and when we do find them they have been large in size and pretty hungry. The larger jacks are the best bet for beginner and intermediate fly fishing enthusiasts who want to feel the challenge of saltwater fishing.

The temps are supposed to drop the end of the week, just in time for Fantasy Fest. The week long celebration has been condensed to a few days with the parade happening on December 10th.

For those of you thinking of the promise of Spring and tarpon season… get your plans in order and book your trip early. Tarpon push in as early as late February and they are around and active until August and into September.