by Captain Terry Fisher
Even though home base for most of my fishing with clients is in local SWFL waters, I find that like me, many clients like to venture out to other areas to fish and boat. One of my favorite ‘summertime’ annual trips with 1st Mate Vicki is to spend time in the ‘Keys’ searching for dolphin, tuna and other species. This year, longtime client/friend Ron Defreitas and his wife, Lucinda suggested that we join them and a couple of their friends over the 4th of July weekend in Key West. It did not take much prompting, as I had not taken any time off over the last nine 4th of July holidays and was looking for an excuse to take a break, not to mention that Ron and Lucinda are good boaters and great anglers in their own right.
We departed on the morning of July 2nd and met up with Ron’s family and two other families for lunch at Sportsman’s World in Islamorada. We all wore masks, as that was the order for all of the Keys. Once seated in the restaurant, we were able to remove them to enjoy the ‘catch of the day’. Afterwards, we all went into the retail shop to ‘shore’ up our fishing gear, as we did not know what to expect upon arriving in Key West, as to what would be open for needed provisions the next morning to catch dolphin (Mahi Mahi).
Early the next morning (July 3), every family member was up bright and early to launch all three boats into the ‘abyss’ (waters that none of us had ever fished and not far from Cuba). The target was dolphin and after a long day we had collectively caught more than enough keepers for several meals. In addition to those, the three boats must have caught and released over forty smaller ones. We all agreed that it was a great 1st day in the Florida Keys! Pictured are the three (3) boats and some of the family members with the dolphin catch.
The morning of July 4th, we all met again to celebrate Independence Day on a distant sandbar, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, soda and beer. We had tents staked in the sand and had a wonderful day just kicking back and enjoying the blessings of freedom that we all share. Unfortunately, we had a full moon and the tides were so high that we were unable to grille, as we never saw dry sand, but we had enough snacks and other sandwiches to make it happen. If one is not familiar with the Florida Keys, be sure and be prepared for some surprises every time.
By the third and final day of fishing we had lost some of the crew, as it was hot and two previous full days on the water will make anyone who is not used to it very tired and looking to relax. Nonetheless, two boats (1st Mate Vicki and I in our Pathfinder), Ron in his Pathfinder, accompanied by his friend, Bryson and son, Dillon (hell-u-va fisherman) took off for the Marquesas, a 20-mile run due west of Key West to fish for permit and yellowtail snappers. It was a quick trip out as the waters were smooth, but the Marquesas were holding some storms on the western edge, preventing us from spending the amount of time fish the flats. The back up plan was placed in effect and we went out a few miles to fish the deeper depths of 40’ – 100’ for grouper and other species. We caught a variety of fish and with coolers full of porgy’s and yellowtail, we headed back after another successful day of learning to fish Key West. We are planning to return within a few months, loaded with our knowledge to be more effective and hope to conquer the Marquesas.
Closer to home, the fishing has been really good. Seatrout topping the list inshore on the grass flats, with an occasional pompano or Spanish mackerel. Naturally, ladyfish will join the party. Snook are holding in the passes and off of the beaches. Tarpon are still prevalent around the bridges and the beaches. Redfish are holding in the shallows around the mangroves on high tide. Offshore, the snapper and grouper bites are fantastic! Deep waters (130’+) for American Red Snapper. Yellowtail/mangrove (gray) snappers (45’-60’). Grouper will be found in 85’+ of water. The water temperatures are very warm and the bite will subside as the day heats up. I suggest getting out there early, be it inshore or offshore.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines and take advantage of the time one has during the Covid-19 Pandemic to get out to fresh air and water and enjoy fishing and boating. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or call me at 239-357-6829. I am available as Captain for Hire (by the hour) on your vessel to show you navigation, fishing locations and techniques that will make your every trip a success.