Beat the wind and go backcountry fishing Key West. The weather the last few days has really been bad. And there is more wind coming next week, the week before Christmas week. The wind is a killer for our deep sea fishing charters. Folks get seasick when waves are big out there. No matter how good the fishing is at that point. Its bad. So.. We often recommend that folks look at the backcountry fishing option as a way to get out and do some fishing in Key West.
Key West Fishing Report
Now.. because we have had apocalyptic conditions these last several days I really have no fishing report to offer. Although we can safely go fishing, even in this wind, it is also rainy, so, we have met our clients half way to give them the opportunity to “Opt out” without penalty. Even on our backcountry fishing charters wind, mixed with rain can really suck. So far all of them have decided not to go. (smart).
SO!
I am going to pull from my 30 years of guiding on the flats and backcountry and give you all an idea what will be out there ready to be caught when things stop blowing 40 (like today). In my fishing forecast.
Fishing Key West Forecast
Looking at the extended forecast I can see that the winds will be pretty much from the North and North East this next week with things calming down around the weekend before Christmas. Another factor that determines much of our fishing in the backcountry is the air temperature effect on water temps. This year so far we have been unseasonably warm both air and water. This week coming up will cool us down a good bit but I dont think the backcountry fishing will suffer from it.
I expect the fishing for trout to stay strong or get stronger. The mullet muds (food source) have been super strong with loads of ballyhoo in the shallows. Along with the trout I expect to see jacks, ladyfish, snappers, the occasional cobia, tarpon on the warmer days and Spanish mackerel mixed with pompano. I really love the North winds for my shallow water snapper fishing where I use artificial lures with my anglers to catch quality lunch or dinner in the shallows.
Pro Tip
The way to keep the backcountry fishing good all throughout the winter is work your depths. After a cold night or new cold front I like to work a little deeper in the basins for my snappers, trout, jacks and fun fish. Once the water stays a temp for a two days I will start working shallower for my Barracudas, permit and snappers on the flats edges.
The thing to remember here is that fish are cold blooded. It takes them a minute to adjust to a quick shift in water temps, especially the larger sport fish such as barracudas and permit. The deep water won’t be as quick to cool off so I use that to my advantage by fishing there right after the cold snap. Deeper meaning 4-12 ft.
On the warmer days with Southerly winds I take every opportunity to go flats fishing to look for permit this time of the year. Barracudas are always there for entertainment as well.
Backcountry Fishing Charters
Backcountry fishing charters are a great affordable way to enjoy a 4, 6 or 8 hour day. We do not have far to run to go fishing. Using 24ft Bay boats your comfort is assured. We even have bay boats with bathrooms. When booking a private charter it’s always best to call us direct so we can learn about what you are looking for and give you what’s best for your group.
Contact Me
Office 305-292-7212
Text 786-847-3808
Email Me captsteven@me.com
