Key West Fishing Reports

Updated fishing reports from the Lower Florida Keys & Key West

Keys Winter Fishing - Barracuda

One of the most under rated fish in the Lower Keys is the barracuda. Barracuda for one are readily available on the flats in the winter months. They are active and will often follow a tube lure or fly all the way to the boat before striking with explosive aggression.

Barracuda do not spook as easily as other fish on the flats. These fish will give an angler many opportunities to cast and retrieve a plug, tube lure or fly before becoming disinterested.

Although many anglers do come to the Keys to battle the mighty tarpon in the spring months, many are humbled by these fish, particularly those who wish to fish with a fly rod. Barracuda are a perfect target for the beginning and intermediate fly angler. They pull hard and believe it or not they jump a lot!

Fly fishing for barracuda gives the angler a chance to cast the fly in the general area of the fish and get the fish’s attention. Then with a smooth retrieve the fish will often crash the fly. It also gives beginning anglers the experience of setting the hook on a fish and fighting him effectively.

For more information on fishing for barracuda on fly or on light tackle please contact the following guides:

• Captain Justin Rea - www.flyfishingthekeys.com - 305-744-0903
• Captain Doug Kilpatrick - 305-745-2824
• Captain Bob Paulson - 305-744-8291
• Captain Tim Carlile - 305-304-4834