By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
November is one of my favorite months to fish in the Florida Keys. I love how the changing weather brings so many new fishing opportunities to the area this time of year. As the temperatures begin to cool and the first cold fronts move through, I get excited about another winter season here in the Upper Keys. There is always something to look forward to offshore, whether we are chasing sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, mutton snapper, or a whole host of other species.
As the cold fronts move through, they often push sailfish and other pelagic fish relatively close to shore. Here in the Upper Keys, much of our offshore fishing during November takes place just three to six miles from shore. This is where we spend a lot of time live-bait trolling and kite fishing for sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, tuna, and anything else that happens to be looking for an easy meal.
In addition to kite fishing for big-game species, November is also a great time to take advantage of the exceptional fishing on the shallow patch reefs. These reefs are often only 10 to 25 feet deep, but they can hold an amazing variety of fish. We catch several different species of snapper, grouper, jacks, and a whole host of other “scallywags” on these patches. November is also an especially great time to target larger mutton snapper in this shallow water.
Some of the best mutton fishing can happen right after a strong cold front, when the wind and waves have stirred up the water. The fish often become more active and can be surprisingly aggressive on the shallow patches. I really enjoy targeting these larger mutton snapper on relatively light spinning tackle. It makes for an exciting and challenging battle when you’re trying to keep a large snapper out of the rocks. Getting one to the boat on light tackle is always rewarding.
After more than 30 years of fishing these waters, I still look forward to the changes that each season brings. November marks the beginning of one of my favorite times of year in the Florida Keys, and I can’t wait to get out there and see what each day brings.
If you have never experienced fishing in the Florida Keys during the winter season, I invite you to come down and experience it for yourself. Come fishing with me aboard the Captain Easy out of Islamorada, Florida, or with one of the many amazing professional guides who call the Florida Keys home.
— www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain
Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120
or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net