Reporting from the Conch Republic

Welcome from the island south of you. Capt Charles Donney here with a little on what’s been happening in Key West. A couple of big yellowfins hooked last week got the gossip going on the dock. I believe they both broke off after a long battle. Both were hooked while live baiting blackfins over deep wrecks outside the reef (240-270 ft). Goes to show you never know what will swim up to your boat out there.

Inshore, tarpon are on the move. The flats and bay boat guys are seeing and hooking more of the bigger fish this last week with many over 100lbs. Bonefish and permit are strong so now’s a great time to make a run at the grand slam, knock that off your angling bucket list!!!

On the reef my snapper fishing has been a little slow numbers wise but the size of the yellowtail haven gotten much nicer. The bigger fish have more meat so my clients have still been walking away with a cooler full of dinner and sandwiches. We did pull a nice cobia off a 10ft tiger shark yesterday as well as a 38lb kingfish for the smoker.

Offshore the sailfish are turning on as they start pushing past us. Live baiting with ballyhoo or thread hearing from the edge of the reef out to about 160’ should get you a few bites. Look for the color change or a rip and put in some time. Didn’t hear much on dolphin last week.

That’s all for now, have to set up the boat for my afternoon father/son charter. These are my favorites! Keep your kids fishing and have a great day everyone.