Florida Keys backcountry fishing report January 2-8

Posted on 1/02/2013
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 Florida Keys backcountry fishing report Jan 2-8
 
A very exiting year of fishing in the Florida Keys is behind us and 2013 is starting to be a great one. Look for the fishing in the Everglades National Park to remain solid in the coming future. We have been experiencing some great winter backcountry fishing the last couple of weeks with a great bite of Redfish, Blackdrum and Sheepsheads. Fish the deeper channels, runoffs and island moats in the Flamingo area for Redfish, Sheepshead, Blackdrum and some Snook mixed in as well. A Shrimp and jig combo or a knocker rig fished really slow in the bottom has been proven deadly. Get over in to the shallow flats on the higher tides for some great Redfish sight fishing action. Head over to the Cape Sable area for another great bite. Great catches of Redfish, Blackdrum, Sheepshead and Snook are a norm this time of the year. There are many fishy looking runoffs, creeks and shorelines in the area. A Trolling motor in your boat will give you the advantage of moving around working a bigger area there for finding more fish.
When the Winds let you the Gulf is a great place to be. The action this time of the year can be fast and furious in Gulf waters. Fish for Cobia, Grouper, Snapper, big Redfish, Sharks and all the other species that make the wrecks and bottom structure in Gulf waters their home during the winter months. When the wind blows stay closer to Sprigger and nine mile banks where is more protected. Get a chum slick going and as long as you have good current flow it won't take long before a pack of Spanish Mackerel make their way towards your slick. We have also been running in to some nice Pompano around the banks from Sprigger to First National with some nice Trout mixed in as well. Fish white Pompano Jigs around points and edges with sandy or hard bottom, a good way to find a good area is to keep an eye on your boat wake. If you run over some Pompano most likely you will see them jumping and surfing your wake. This is a good indication that you are on the right area.
Look for bonefish around the deeper edges of Oceanside flats through out the keys. With colder water temperatures and in between cold fronts the fish like to move more through the three to four foot edge of the flats. Look for mudding fish on the incoming tide and if the temperatures get warmer look for some fish to be pushing more in to the shallows specially on the middle parts of the day when the water is warmer. There have also been some permit caught around the local banks bayside must of the fish have been caught while fishing deeper cuts with good current flow while fishing jig and shrimp combo for rod bending action. Wish everyone a fishy New Years with calm winds and tight lines!
 
Captain Juan Garcia