Florida Keys backcountry fishing report January 8 2014

Posted on 1/09/2014

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Hello everyone! Tuff weather conditions prevailed last weekend and most of the week in the Florida Keys backcountry. The strong cold front that passed through our area last Tuesday made for a drastic drop in water temperatures and very strong northerly winds. The good news is that the weekend forecast looks to be better with warmer temperatures. Look for the bite to spike up in the Flamingo area as the water temperatures come back to normal. Redfish, Snook, Trout, Blackdrum and many other rod benders will be available. A live shrimp on a 1/4oz jig head will be best but many fish are also being caught on scented artificial baits like Berkley Gulp Shrimp. Work the Island moats in the same area for some great action as well. Out towards the Cape Sable area look for the Redfish bite to continue with Snook and nice Blackdrums mixed in. Fish the shorelines,creeks and deeper channels slowly bouncing the bait through the bottom or just let it sit. The deeper channels from Sandy Key towards Frank should have some nice Pompano and many other rod benders.
Look for the action to fire up in the Gulf as soon as the water temperatures get back to normal. Big Kingfish, Cobia, Redfish, Sharks and Pompano are just some of the species you can encounter. We just need some nicer weather to get things going. Back towards the park boundaries look for the bite to get going as well. The last couple of weeks we experienced some phenomenal fishing with Spanish Mackerel and really nice Snappers. This fishery will continue to be productive in the upcoming months and it's hard to beat for any type of angler.
The weather conditions have kept most anglers away from Bonefishing. With the warmer temperatures forecasted for the weekend it might be a little better. Fish the incoming tide around the Oceanside flats and look for mudding fish around the deeper edges. If the conditions get to bad to sight fish them stake out on a deeper edge with good current flow and deploy a crushed shrimp bag and a 4 rod spread behind the boat, soon enough they will come. Hope the weather conditions improve for the weekend and that everyone gets to do some Florida Keys backcountry fishing!

Captain Juan Garcia