Wicked Tuna - Keys Addition

 While the Tarpon bite is on and the Sailfish have been thick, the big news is big Bluefin Tuna making people look bad.  200 plus pound Yellowfin and 500 plus pound Bluefin tuna do wander through the Keys now and again.  I have had a solid 200 pound Yellowfin Tuna eating Yellowtail on the reef is 32 foot of water.  It was great to see, but chances are slim and none with yellowtail spinning tackle.  You get spooled if you hook up and that warm feeling of burning drag is all you get to show for it.

If you go out loaded for bear with bent butt 80s and big live baits, more often than not you have a shark encounter which gets old after an hour or two on the rod.  I am pretty sure someone around Marathon will hook up a big bluefin with the right gear and eventually bring one to the dock, but I am not going to hold my breath.

I have been spending most of my time in the kiddie pool with fishing 101 trips and a few hiding from 20+ knot wind trips.  Even on a slow day we are getting dinner and more often than not, some bucket list fish for someone in the crew.   The near shore action though is far from hot.

Permit were on the artificial reefs if you have the weather and the Tarpon bite is better than normal for many right now, mainly at night but there have been a few early and late daytime bites.  We have another 20 grouperless days until that opens back up and a few larger dolphin are being picked up here and there.

If you are into sailfish, you are likely to be a hero or a zero.  Last week one boat released 28 of 32 while many other boats were talking about yellowtailing to make a trip.  That is fishing.   Finding a day when the wind lays down a bit is the biggest trick this time of year.  The great thing about this time of the year in the Keys, is you never know what you might get into.

 Whatever happens, spring is here and the Frangie Pangies are showing off, so if you get a chance you might as well try your luck.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas