Fishing report

http://www.floridakeysnews.info

Offsho

Capt. Rob Dixon on the Challenger Charter boat reports a great fall
catch of Dolphin. Four "big" fish up to 41 pounds. Along with a
number of school size fish (3-6 pounds) made for an unusually great day
of offshore dolphin "catching."
Unlike summertime dolphin fishing, the dominant breeze is blowing
offshore, pushing debris, warm Gulf Stream water and the fish out of
reach of anglers most of the time.
That rule will be broken often enough by anglers who gamble and run out
to find a spur or counter current of warm Gulfstream "fish holding"
water!

Reefs:

The reef is where it is at these days!
Sailfish action continues to be good. The sails are from 80 feet out to
200 feet. Most captains slow troll live ballyhoo for bait.
If you are on a small boat, it is possible to drift the live bait and
then try deep jigging fresh dead ballyhoo for the king mackerel or a
variety of bottom dwellers.
Capt. Paul O'Donnell has been catching wahoo on a regular basis
fishing a live speedo just off the bottom.
The Don Gargulio Sailfish Tournament was won by Capt. Paul Ross aboard
the Relentless with seven releases. Second (on time) was Capt. Ed
Yanetti also with seven fish.

Gulf and Bay:

The recent Redbone Tournament to cure Cystic Fibrosis was won by Capt.
Tim Hoover and Jim Bokor. The team had six redfish and five bonefish
releases .
All in all the bonefish action has slowed a bit. With the recent drop
in temperatures due to a frontal boundary moving through the Keys that
is to be expected.
Capt. Ron Wagner had a nice half day with two snook caught recently.
Remember snook season closed Dec. 15.
The Spanish mackerel are still providing plenty of action in the Gulf.

Flats, Backcountry
and Flamingo:

Best action is still the redfish bite. There are black drum mixed in
with the reds also.
The seatrout action is picking up throughout Florida Bay.
The word on the Cape Sable area is more of the same with the redfish
and drum cooperating well.
Drift a live Shrimp in the channels and along the beaches.
You will also find trout in this scenario.
Don't forget to release the snook.