Florida Keys backcountry fishing report Jan 23-29

Posted on 1/24/2013

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Florida Keys backcountry fishing report Jan 23-29
 
Great fishing last weekend and throughout the week in the Florida Keys backcountry fishing. Fish the Island flats and shorelines in the bay for great shallow water Redfish action with Trout and some Snook as well. The Flamingo area remains productive specially on the outgoing tide with Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Trout and Blackdrum. Fish the runoffs, moats and shorelines in the area with live Shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head working it slowly on the bottom. Look for a good bite of Trout,Bluefish,Jacks and Ladyfish in the middle grounds area with some Pompano mixed in, a 1/2 oz white Pompano jig will get the bites.
Out on the Cape Sable area look for Redfish, Blackdrum, Snook and some Tarpon to make for a fun day. Fish the creeks, beach and shorelines with live shrimp on a jig head for the better action. If you see Tarpon in the area drift Pinfish, finger mullet or pilchards for your best chance to hooking up with the Silver King.
Further West in Gulf waters look for the great bite to continue. Cobia, Groupers, Kingfish, Sharks and all the other gulf residents will be making there regular appearances on the Wrecks and around the structure. Pinfish, Shrimp and Bucktail jigs will catch about anything that swims by, a live Blueruner on some wire will get the bigger King's and Sharks attention. Keep an eye on the trap buoys wille you run to and from your destination for Tripletail.
Out on the Springer, Schooner and Oxfoot banks area look for the action to continue with Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Bluefish, Trout, Snappers and many more. Fish the hard bottom areas for the Pompano with white or chartreuse Pompano jigs. Anchor up near the park boundaries and get a chum slick going for the Mackerel, Snapper and all the others. A shrimp and jig head combination with a couple of inches of number 3 wire bounced on the slick will get you in the action, good current is the key for a better bite.
If Bonefish is your target fish the Oceanside flats through out the Keys on the incoming tide. The anglers that have been putting the time on it have been rewarded with multiple shots at mostly mudding fish. Look for the fish to be mudding on the deeper edges of the flats. A Shrimp casted a couple of feet up current from the fish will get you a hook up. There has been a decent Tarpon bite around the local bridges throughout the Keys with the best bite being on the outgoing tide from sunset on. Crabs and Pinfish have been getting the bites, watch for all the Crap traps and choose your drift wisely. Enjoy the cooler weather and get out on the water for some great Islamorada  backcountry fishing.

Captain Juan Garcia