SPORTFISH
>
KEYED UP!
BY JEFF MERRILL
Stretching from Key Largo to Key West the Florida Keys span nearly 120 miles along U.S. Highway 1. Also known as the Overseas Highway and one of the most scenic waterfront roadways in the United States, it winds its way through the keys, where often the only land mass separating the cobalt blue water of the Atlantic Ocean from the sand and grassy flats of Florida Bay is this famed narrow highway. For the traveling angler the Florida Keys offer world-class fishing, and winter is a great time to visit the keys. Though weather plays a critical role in what’s biting where and when, when one door closes on a particular species because of weather, another often opens wide. On the offshore scene cold fronts, and the northerly breeze accompany them, will send beach fanatics shopping, though anglers looking to tangle with sailfish welcome these cold fronts with open arms. While your clothes will more likely be fitting for a fall football game than a day on the water in Florida, the excitement of battling a tail-walking sailfish will warm you quickly. Typically, from the edge of the reef and beyond, schools of showering bait signal sailfish below, and pitching or slow-trolling live bait is the preferred technique. Don’t overlook the inshore water though, as we’ve caught sailfish in water depths as shallow as 25 feet. In between sailfish bites look for dolphin (mahi mahi), wahoo, kingfish, blackfin tuna, bonito and Spanish mackerel to provide action. Thanks to an elimination of commercial long-lining along their breeding grounds, swordfish have made a strong comeback, and the keys offer an excellent shot year-round at catching one. However, you’ll need to bring your A game and a strong back, as these denizens are found in depths approaching 1,000 feet or more. The best advice here is to leave this to 72 marinalife.com
Florida Keys News Bureau
A WINTER TRIP TO THE FLORIDA KEYS CAN WARM THE CHILL IN YOUR BONES!