Florida Keys backcountry fishing report May 1-15 2013

Posted on 5/09/2013

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Florida Keys backcountry fishing report May 1-15
Hello everyone! April was full of great catches in the Florida Keys backcountry and get ready cause May has nothing but great fishing coming our way. Last weekend got a little tuff with the wind and full moon conditions but most of us manage to put some really nice fish boat side. The weather can't always be nice but its just weather you want to go fishing or wish you where fishing if you know what I mean. The Trout bite is still going on strong in Florida Bay, if you find a mud around a bank,bay or basin most likely it will have some nice Trout in it plus plenty of Ladyfish, Jacks and Bluefish to keep anglers busy. Look for Redfish and Snook to be feeding around the mainland shorelines, Island flats and moats through out the bay. The big Jack's are also patrolling this shorelines so be ready cause when they show up they mean business and can bring lots of exiting battles both on Fly and spin gear. A top water bait will produce some explosive strikes but pretty much anything you throw at them will get eaten. The Flamingo area was a little sporadic last week. The bite would come on and off for some while others struggled to find the fish. The full moon is gone and the bite should improve in the coming week. If you are looking for a battle look no further cause big Sharks are in the area with Tarpon as well. Live or dead baits fished on the deeper channels will get their attention. Out on the Cape Sable area the Snook and Redfish continue to feed around the shorelines, Pinfish, Pilchards and Shrimp have been the baits of choice but scented soft plastics will also get the job done. Keep an eye for Tarpon in the area, if you see them rolling around throw a live bait in their pass for an exiting hook up.
The wrecks out on gulf waters have been producing great catches of big Snappers, Groupers, Sharks and Cobia with some Permit as well. Lots of rod bending action so if the weather is right give it a try you won't be disappointed. Same goes to the areas surrounding the Everglades National Park boundaries. Trout, Bluefish, Snappers and other rod benders can be found while drifting in between the banks. Soft plastics or white Bucktail jigs will get plenty of action.

Tarpon Season is in full swing throughout the Keys and mostly everybody is hooking up with the Silver King. Live mullet, Crabs, Pinfish and Pilchards are all getting the bites while fishing the many bridges and channels. Plenty of shots can be had while stalking the fish both Oceanside and bayside with a Fly rod. Look for tailing Bonefish on the lower stages of the tides and mudding fish on the higher stages of the tide on the Oceanside flats. Permit continue to make their regular appearance while cruising the deeper edges of flats and banks both bayside and Oceanside. It's not a bad idea to have a small live crab or crab fly pattern ready for action while stalking the Tarpon. Acting fast and stealthy when the opportunity presents will triple your your chances for a hook up. Storms are popping up with more frequency lately so keep an eye on the radar. Be safe and pick your game plan according to the weather conditions. Till next week,

Captain Juan Garcia