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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 23
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 11:12 am: | |
Hold on Here comes WILMA!
www.chaserkeywest.com
Key West Fishing reports at http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
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Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 9:47 am: | |
Hello again from The Saltwater Angler in beautiful Key West. There was a noticeable change in the weather this past week. We’ve been seeing steady breezes out of the northeast all week long which can mean only one thing…………WINTER! As much as that pains me to say we shouldn’t be fishing for cuda’s and sharks just yet. The baby tarpon fishing has taken a hit this week but if you can find the fish they're still eating fairly well. With the north wind they really haven’t been rolling but they have been in their usual spots. The reports of bonefish this week have been surprisingly decent with anglers catching them almost every day. This time of year you certainly won’t see as many fish, but the ones on the flats are generally the larger fish. This is a good time to fish for tailers too because the shallow water is warmer where the fish are more likely to be. The permit is certainly the most tolerant to colder temps and the fishing for them has also been good but not excellent. As the water temps start to drop I like to concentrate fishing in the lakes because it seems more consistent at that time. The flats are really large out there and they seem to hold more stable water temps which fish like. You can also start looking for big schools of jacks which will hang on sharks and rays in that area. With some unsettled weather in the forecast pick your days wisely when venturing out this week.
With the weather changing day to day and water and air temps dropping at the same rate, finding consistent water temps can be a struggle. One way to give yourself a better chance at finding good water temperature is to concentrate your fishing on the ocean side of the keys. The fish seem to migrate to these flats as the water temps drop. Whether you're back east and trying to catch bonefish or down in Key West fishing for permit, the ocean side flats are definitely worth stopping by for a look. From all of us at The Saltwater Angler we wish you tight lines and fish boat side. |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 10:50 am: | |
www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 21
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 10:47 am: | |
Key West fishing report by Capt.Mike Wilbur 30 year professional fishing guide in Key West and Lower Florida Keys.
updates and articals about Saltwatersportsmen and
personalities.
www.chaserkeywest.com
http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 12:14 pm: | |
Hello again from all of us at The Saltwater Angler here in Key West Florida. With hurricane Rita in the rear view mirror the fishing that followed was absolutely outstanding. The baby tarpon that came back soon after the storm had passed where in the backcountry in full swing and eager to eat fly’s or bait. There have even been reports of some larger fish being caught anywhere from 60 -100 pounds. This could be a sign of fish that are lingering back from their migration up the coast. There is probably also some resident fish getting out into the backcountry too. There is a tremendous amount of bait in the backcountry so there’s certainly a reason for those resident fish to get more active. The bonefishing has continued to be very good with fish doing the most tailing I’ve seen them do the whole year. With the calm water they have been a little spooky up shallow so be very quiet. Don’t hesitate to get out of the boat and d a little wading for them. It’s amazing how much calmer the fish will be when there’s no boat involved. Only wade when they’re tailing as they can be very hard to see when you don’t have the advantage of standing on the boat. A fly that has been working really well is the EP spawning shrimp. This is a pattern tied with streamer brush with little rubber legs in it. It ha been irresistible to the bonefish so come down to the shop and take a look. The tailing permit action has been even better this last week especially in the late evening. For those of you who haven’t seen a tailing permit it’s one of the most amazing sights in fishing. It’s not uncommon for them to tail so hard that they fall over backwards in the water. All in all it really doesn’t get any better and with light south east winds in the forecast this is a great time to get out.
This time of year is a great time to get some wading done in the keys. Not everyone is blessed enough to have a boat but the lower keys offers so wonderful wading opportunities. The most widely known wading flat here is Bahia Honda State Park. Concentrate on the south east side of the island where there are less people and you will find some really good bonefishing. The best tide to concentrate on is a low outgoing. The low water makes them a lot easier to see and it seems that they just prefer the out going tide their. If you have an incoming tide Ohio Key is my next choice and is the next island from Bahia Honda. Stay on the south side and there is a large flat where the fish are more apt to tail than at Bahia Honda. A good spot closer to Key West is the south west side of Boca Chica Key. There you have a better chance of seeing permit but there is also a healthy bonefish population. You want to try to concentrate your fishing on the beginning of the incoming tide as the water rushes up on the flat. Where ever you go try to make it either early in the morning or late in the evening. This way the fish will be more comfortable to come shallower giving you a better shot at seeing them. Just because you don’t have a boat doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fabulous fishing done here. from all of us at The Saltwater Angler we wish you tight lines and fish boat side |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 7:38 am: | |
Fishing Update ...09/28/05
The fall fishing is back in full swing. We have received reports of baby tarpon, permit and some excellent tailing bonefish action over the last few day with some of those bonefish being over 10 pounds. The water on the flats has cleared up and the weather is perfect. A light wind is blowing out of the southeast, and while there are some clouds, there is more than enough blue sky to make for good sight fishing. It is definitely a good time to fish the flats around Key West and the lower keys.
Sept. 26, 2005
Hello again from The Saltwater Angler in Key West Florida. The fishing this week was not very good obviously with the passing of hurricane Rita just to our south but there were some encouraging signs out there. It’s really interesting to see just how different each storm is when they pass through the keys. Hurricane Katrina brought torrential rain which flooded the island pretty good. Rita didn’t drop much rain at all but the storm surge was unbelievable. You could visibly watch the water rush in from the Atlantic flooding Key West for about 4 hours before the surge began to go back out. Another difference was the direction of the storm which seems to have had a big affect on the back country flats. When Katrina passed, it basically moved form east to west along the keys in the Gulf of Mexico which had the flats from Harbor Keys to Barracuda Keys blown out for the better part of a week. This time the storm came from the Atlantic and passed by to our south which gave those flats a bit of a break which means the water cleared up much quicker. As we all know the water clarity is very important when fishing on the flats. When storms have just passed and you can find clean water, you can usually find the fish.
After a storm passes the fish that seems to show up first is the tarpon. This case was no different with baby tarpon showing in the backcountry about two days after the storm. The fish weren’t jumping all over the fly but they were active enough to give them a shot for a little while. The good thing about the tarpon is that when they go back to their spots after a hurricane they go back to eat. A lot of fish will go back to the flats but it will take a few days for them to become comfortable and eat again which brings me to my next fish, the bonefish. The bones showed up right after the hurricane in good numbers which was very surprising to me. They were moving fast and not stopping for much but there were some nice schools out there which is a great sign of things to come. This week would probably be a good time to break out the chum and bring some bonefish to you, especially if you’re fly fishing. Trying to fly fish for fast moving bonefish is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. This way you can keep the fish around you a hopefully calm them down a bit, giving you a much better shots. The forecast is showing south-east winds near 10 knots which should mean some excellent fishing to come for us. So lets but last week behind us and get back to business out there. From all of us a The Saltwater Angler we wish you tight lines and fish boat side. |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 - 8:22 am: | |
Hello again from The Saltwater Angler in Key West Florida. The fishing this week was not very good obviously with the passing of hurricane Rita just to our south but there were some encouraging signs out there. It’s really interesting to see just how different each storm is when they pass through the keys. Hurricane Katrina brought torrential rain which flooded the island pretty good. Rita didn’t drop much rain at all but the storm surge was unbelievable. You could visibly watch the water rush in from the Atlantic flooding Key West for about 4 hours before the surge began to go back out. Another difference was the direction of the storm which seems to have had a big affect on the back country flats. When Katrina passed, it basically moved form east to west along the keys in the Gulf of Mexico which had the flats from Harbor Keys to Barracuda Keys blown out for the better part of a week. This time the storm came from the Atlantic and passed by to our south which gave those flats a bit of a break which means the water cleared up much quicker. As we all know the water clarity is very important when fishing on the flats. When storms have just passed and you can find clean water, you can usually find the fish.
After a storm passes the fish that seems to show up first is the tarpon. This case was no different with baby tarpon showing in the backcountry about two days after the storm. The fish weren’t jumping all over the fly but they were active enough to give them a shot for a little while. The good thing about the tarpon is that when they go back to their spots after a hurricane they go back to eat. A lot of fish will go back to the flats but it will take a few days for them to become comfortable and eat again which brings me to my next fish, the bonefish. The bones showed up right after the hurricane in good numbers which was very surprising to me. They were moving fast and not stopping for much but there were some nice schools out there which is a great sign of things to come. This week would probably be a good time to break out the chum and bring some bonefish to you, especially if you’re fly fishing. Trying to fly fish for fast moving bonefish is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. This way you can keep the fish around you a hopefully calm them down a bit, giving you a much better shots. The forecast is showing south-east winds near 10 knots which should mean some excellent fishing to come for us. So lets but last week behind us and get back to business out there. From all of us a The Saltwater Angler we wish you tight lines and fish boat side. |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 5:26 am: | |
Fishing Update ...09/23/05
We are back. In fact, we opened yesterday, and everything is pretty much back to normal around Key West. Fortunately, Rita did not reach her full potential until after she passed us, so we were spared the force of the storm and only suffered minor flooding, downed limbs and temporary loss of power.
As far as the fishing goes, today is looking much better. The water is already clearing and looks more blue/green than the muddy pea soup of yesterday. One guide reported that the backcountry water between Sugarloaf and Big Pine did not look all that bad. The Atlantic side flats will take a bit longer to clear up, but we still have some fairly strong tides to help improve the clarity. If you have a fishing trip planned in the near future, be sure to talk to your guide before changing your plans. There is a good chance you will not need to make any changes. If you need a guide, give us a call. We work with some of the best in the business. |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 6:44 am: | |
Key West Fishing Report
October brings the refreshment of the Key West flats with cooling water temps and fall bait fish migration.
Big Bonefish slide in from the Gulf of Mexico looking for a few munchys, Crabs, shrimp snd other shellfish that have been residing in deeper cooler waters are back on the flats.
Permit fishing picks up also and soon Pompano,
Jacks and Bluefish will head for the lower Florida Keys flats and basins.
I like October fishing alot and a little cool air wont hurt a Ol guide's feeling at all.
Bring Lunch, we'll be late! |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 02, 2005 - 9:09 am: | |
Fishing Update ...09/02/05
It just keeps getting better! This morning's slick calm is shattered by several sudden leaps of tarpon trying to shake loose from the pull in the corner of their mouths and by the nearly silent waggle of a translucent tail as it brakes the surface indicating the burrowing nose of a feeding bonefish. Then the push of water, too big to be a bonefish, is highlighted by a black scythe exposing the elusive permit. I am sure these scenes occurred repeatedly today. I know it happened yesterday as a couple of guides, taking a busman's holiday, managed to land the Flats Slam! If our fishing continues to improve, The Key West, Redbone Mercury S.L.A.M. tournament which starts next Friday, will be very exciting indeed. |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 6:50 am: | |
Fishing Update ...Aug. 31, 2005
The weather and the water is clearing up nicely down here in Key West. It is a beautiful, calm, sunny morning. Driving in this morning, I could not help thinking I should be heading for the boat instead of the store. The flats are clearing up as the tide flushes out the muddy water. The reports form the guides are a bit mixed. Some found fishable flats, especially oceanside, while others in the backcountry were still a little too muddy. Still, there was decent tarpon fishing early yesterday. The bonefish and permit should not be too far behind. Offshore, the light tackle captains are expecting exciting action with snapper and grouper over the next few days as the bottom fishing on the reefs and wrecks should be excellent with the water being a bit cloudy. If you have nothing more important to do, and even if you do, it is a good time to get on the water to bend some rods.
Fishing Report…Aug. 28, 2005
Hello again from all of us at The Saltwater Angler. It was a wacky week down here to say the least with Hurricane Katrina making a u-turn and giving us a brush. Thankfully I haven’t heard of any serious damage to any boats so that was a blessing. Well let’s get back to what’s really important…. Fishing. I know I might be sounding a little repetitive but the baby tarpon fishing has defiantly been the most dependable fish in the shallows. I saw baby tarpon from Boca Grande to Johnson key form 10 pounds to 100 pounds. I noticed that the larger fish where staying in the channels and not willing to move up on the flat but the babies would have no problem. It’s an awesome sight to see a school babies cruising in 2 feet of water and attacking a fly. It’s been so good that we just have to hope after everything clears up and the fish are still there.
As solid as the tarpon fishing was the permit a bonefish was still good but not stellar. One reason is probably the water temps in the backcountry. I got out of the boat in the beginning of the week and the water was so warm it was uncomfortable to be in. You can bet that if the water is hot to the touch than the fish aren’t going to be there and that was certainly the case. There are a couple tricks to try to keep you in cooler water to give yourself a better chance at seeing fish. One way is to try fishing some ocean side flats. The water on these flats compared to the flats in the backcountry can sometimes be 5 degrees cooler or more. Another thing is always try to be on an incoming tide during the hot parts of the day. This way you have the cooler waters from the deep flooding the flats and in turn cooling them off. Fish will follow that cool water right up on to the flats to feed. Right now it’s a waiting game to see when the water is going to clear up. The fish have seen this sort of thing before so it shouldn’t be long before they come back to the flats and things are back to normal. Form all of us at The Saltwater Angler we wish you tight lines and fish boat side. |
Saltwater Angler Key West (Saltangler)
New member
Username: Saltangler
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 9:13 am: | |
Greetings from the fabulous Florida Keys. The water clarity has been getting better and better with each passing day and in turn the fishing has picked up.The permit and bonefishing has been really good for this time of year. It's really best to get an early start now because the flats have been heating up quick. These fish are way more apt to eat early when it's more comfortable for them. The big migration of tarpon has come to an end, but the baby tarpon follow right behind them flooding the back country flats. I haven't seen good numbers yet but a few here and there. The offshore fishing has been tremendous with all the debris that was left over from Hurricane Dennis. Slammer Dolphin, Kingfish, and Wahoo have been caught in good numbers. The annually Drambuie Marlin Tournament is going on this week, so for the next report we'll see if anyone was able to land a big blue.
With no storms in the forecast the fishing should only get better during the next few weeks. We've still had good crab hatches and should have a few more coming up. This is a great time to catch a permit on a fly. |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 15, 2005 - 9:56 am: | |
We managed to survive hurricane Dennis with a little adjustment to signage and a few trees down.
Emily is heading for Mexico and the Bonefish,Permit and Tarpon are back along with
the White Crown Pigeon's.
What do White Crown Pigeons have to do with Key West fishing.
Read more http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 7:15 pm: | |
Key West fishing report
The full moon tides caught up with us today and made it tuff to find any Permit or Bonefish on the Key West flats this morning.
We were forced to pop into one of the small creeks and hook a big female Tarpon over 150 lbs.
After jumping us out into the Gulf and pulling Scot's arm out of the socket, she managed to break us off just as the wind picked up and the rain started to come at us side ways.
Back at the dock and a bowl of Conch Chowder later we were feeling pretty fine!
http://www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 5:37 pm: | |
Key West fishing,fly fishing report:
I have tuned up the light spinning rods and fluffed up my Permit and Bonefish flies.
Today vis was limited but we managed to find some tailing Permit on the flats northeast of Key West.........mike
It was a little breezzzzzy to but thats not a bad thing when your trying to drop a live crab
in the dining room of a big Permit.
We got lucky right away and Tony hooked his first
of three by guessing where the tail that we say
20 seconds earlier... went.
This first fish wasnt a monster but,all Permit are special and will smoke 10lb off a spinning reel very quickly, he went maybe 14lbs.
We hooked another 10 mins later and after about 20 mins and a trip around a old crab line I was able to jump down and grab his tail and take another photo.
After spooken a few schools of Bonefish that were almost invisable in the poor light we snagged another Permit over 18lbs and thats what you call a damm good day on the Key West flats.
http://www.chaserkeywest.com
mike@chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 16
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 9:12 am: | |
Key WestFishing,Fly Fishing Report
Wow great migtating Tarpon run and now its slowing down so back to the Gulf side Tarpon and a great summer of Bonefish and Permit in the skinny water.
Bonefish,Permit reports are good in the lower Florida Keys and Key West already and I'm looking forward to chasing these guys after jumping a few early AM Tarpon ofcourse!
http:www.chaserkeywest.com
mike@chaserkeywest.com |
Capt. Dexter Simmons (Captdexter)
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Username: Captdexter
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 7:32 pm: | |
May 21, 2005<br><br>This has been the best May for Tarpon fishing in years. Here is Ed Stephenson jumping a couple of Silver King, both of which he brought to the boat within 30 minutes. Nice work Ed!<br><br><img><br><br>Ed really does a great job of bowing to the fish in the above photo.<br><br><img><br><br>Ed instinctively gives the Tarpon the "down and dirty" technique in the above photo. This low rod side pressure is applied in the opposite direction that the fish is moving, especially when the Tarpon is attempting to roll up and gulp air. Successfull application of the "down and dirty" technique usually defeats the stamina of the fish and thereby shortens the fight. Ed's two Tarpon (100 and 130 pounds) were caught on the same day with the same fly! Capt. Dexter's Black Death was the fly.<br><br><img>Here is David Smith of Toronto hooked up to a 110 pound silver King. David brought the fish to the boat where the leader was reeled into the rod tip for a legal catch.<br><br><img><br><br>Casting from the foredeck of "FlatsMaster" in THE CAGE gives anglers additional height and stability so they may easily spot fish in the clear, shallow waters of the Keys. April, May, June, July, August, September, October are generally
great months to catch Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Shark, Jack Crevalle. So plan your trip now.<br><br><img><br><br>Tarpon Season is here and images like the one above are in the mind and dreams of all flats anglers. Bonefish will also be actively feeding and tailing in the shallows as the water warms into the 80's this Spring. Late June and July dates are still available, so contact Capt. Dexter Simmons at 305-745-3304 for more info.<br><br>
<img><br><br>Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm<br><img>
<br><br>You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 2:56 pm: | |
Key West Fishing Report
Shakespeare/Pflueger Fishing Tackle tests
I have been using Pflueger's new Medalist spinning reels for a few months now and can report they are a great looking, all metal Saltwater reel with a super drag that has survived Permit,Tarpon, Pompano and one or two good sized sharks with no problems.
This old American company was putting out some less than capable stuff for a few years and is now catching up with Japan in quality and at a
bargin price.
The new Shakespeare "Custom Graphite Ugly Stick" is 100% Graphite and should not be confused with the old ( mostly fiberglass)Ugly Stick, these are really nice sticks, but be sure you are looking at CUSTOM UGLIES.....mike
More at
http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com
www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 12:36 pm: | |
Key West Tarpon fishing Report
Phew! muggy, southeast winds bring the heat humidity and hungry Tarpon.
We dont mind, big ol Sugar Poons dance in our heads and at the end of our fly lines.
April Tarpon fishing is really hot this year as the water temps are up.
old guides are tired and happy.
mike www.chaserkeywest.com
|
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2005 - 5:13 pm: | |
Key West Fishing, Fly fishing Report
Wow what a day on the flat!
After jumping 5 Tarpon over the big sand, you would think that would be enough excitment for one day.
Then we saw the Hammerhead, not just a Hammerhead but the mother of all Hammerheads.In 35 years of fishing the tropic blue, I have never seen one this W I D E.
This monster was 18-19 ft long and wider than my flats skiff.
He was maybe more than 7 ft eye ball to eye ball and he came over the sand and through a school of 60 Tarpon, blowing them in the air and running by, around and under our skiff at rocket speed.
Over 30 inches of dorsal fin sliced by us out of the water and........He did'nt get a Tarpon!
mike www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 1:38 pm: | |
Key West fishing ,Fly fishing Report
My pal Peter Mullet from Mongofly is back in town
and tomorrow we will take it to them,the Tarpon and Permit that is!
Peter runs a Fly Fishing trip in Mongolia for the worlds largest salmonoid, wild and ugly monsters that go over 90 lbs and look like...well Monsters!
He also happens to be a great fly rodder with good fish instint, we always have fun.
mike www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 11:18 am: | |
Key West fishing report
Tarpon fishing over the key west sand flats has been May like this past week, with great sight casting to tarpon of all sizes.
Mylar minnow flys have worked well as have regular Tarpon streamers.
If the weather holds we'll be happy ol' fishing guides.
www.chaserkeywest.com
|
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 2:10 pm: | |
Key West fishing report: Here we go again, Tarpon fishing has inproved this past week and the fly fishing in Key West basins for them has beed productive.
First day of spring tomorrow and we're ready for
the flats fishing for Tarpon, bonefish and Permit.
mike wilbur
www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 4:02 pm: | |
Key West Flats Fishing Report
Again today Cobia action, Permit and Tarpon showing up and then the Bull Sharks spoiled the
Party more at http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com 
www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 2:21 pm: | |
Key West Tarpon fishing
www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 2:17 pm: | |
Key West Tarpon love warm, humid air and with the south winds and water temps on the rise those Big Silver Rascals pop up also.
We saw a lot of them slipping into the backcountry and basins on the Gulf side today, they were not really receptive but we had a lot of action with Cobia, Pompano, Barracudas and big Jacks.
We will be out at dawn to give then a crab sandwich and excersize.......mike
www.chaserkeywest.com
http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 5
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 6:28 pm: | |
Key West Let there be light! after a few days of a cold front fishing spoiler, we've got sun..son.
Tomorrow we toss Merkin Crab Flys to the hungry
little Permit piggy's sniffen around on the Key West flats, good light and a little wind to hide our tracks.....I'm ready for Spring and sharp hooks......mike
http://www.chaserkeywest.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 4:56 pm: | |
Capt.Mike Wilbur's Chaser Key West Fishing
305/296/7201
http://www.chaserkeywest.com
http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 4:51 pm: | |
We have Elf Flys, Glass Minnow Flys, shiny flys, fuzzy flys, big flys, small flys....Now we need some good sun and a little less wind and we'll have Fun.
The Tarpon are in their launch mode and so are the Key West Tarpon guides and their angler's
Come on Mother push us a little closer to Spring.
mike
 |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 12:49 pm: | |
Tarpon in Key West have slid back into some of the cuts after the last cold front and Permit, Barracudas and Cobia are on the Gulf flats in good numbers.
Today we hooked one nice Permit of about 18lbs
and landed two small Cobia that we turned back.
We also hooked two Blacktip sharks on the flat
that smoked off the 10lb test and just about spooled us.
more reports at http://www.chaserkeywest.com
 |
mike wilbur (Chaserkeywest)
New member
Username: Chaserkeywest
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2005 - 2:33 pm: | |
Key West Fishing Report
Cold front is gone and Permit and Cobia fishing on the Key West flats was super today!
More reports at
http://chaserkeywestfishing.blogspot.com/
 |
Capt. Dexter Simmons (Captdexter)
New member
Username: Captdexter
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 5:58 pm: | |
May 3, 2004<br><br>David Wipf (2002 Angler of the Year) is fishing aboard "FlatsMaster" this week and has hooked up a few Tarpon in less than perfect conditions. The winds have continued to blow hard and the big migration of Tarpon has not materialized as of yet.<br><br><img><br><br>Casting from the foredeck of
"FlatsMaster" in THE CAGE gives anglers additional height and stability so they may easily spot fish in the clear, shallow waters of the Keys. March, April, May and June generally brings some great catches of Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish, so plan your trip now.<br><br>
<img><br><br>Tarpon like the one above landed
by Louis Eagle, will be pushing through Keys waters regularly from now through June.<br><br><img><br><br>Permit are Marching in big numbers from now through early April.<br><br>
<img><br><br>Bonefish will be schooling and readily available as the water temps rise to the mid to high 70's.<br><br>
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm<br><img>
<br><br>You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons (Captdexter)
New member
Username: Captdexter
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 9:56 am: | |
Baby Tarpon in the Marquesas and the Lower Florida Keys are often accompanied by some good size Jack Crevalle chasing the same glass minnows, pilchard, or mullet minnows. Here Ken displays a nice 25 pound Tarpon caught in Mooney Harbor Channel in the Marquesas. Believe it or not, Ken hooked, jumped and landed this Tarpon after his first cast a few mornings ago. As a matter of fact, this was the first time that Ken had ever cast to Tarpon! Good job Ken!
<img>
Ken's better half, Karen, then caught a big Jack Crevalle of about 15 pounds. The Jack was very feisty and nearly was eaten by a large Black Tip Shark. Karen did a masterful job of keeping the Shark's jaws away form the Jack.
Recently, there has been some excellent Bonefish action on the flats. Here, Chase proudly holds a 7 pound Bone caught in the Sugarloaf backcountry.
<IMG SRC="http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/bonenarrows.jpg" WIDTH=233
HEIGHT=185>
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net
 |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 - 8:14 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
Saratoga George had a great day on the flats with his buddy Greg Persbacker (2002 Angler of the Year) today.
George landed this 70 pound Tarpon on a "Black Death" fly.
Greg jumped a 50 pound Tarpon in the minutes following George's catch. We then moved to the Gulf side flats in search of Bonefish and Permit.
George had the first shot at three good size Bones, but they spooked before George could get the fly to them. Greg took over and had a shot at 15 Bones schooling their way onto a sand flat next to a channel. Expecting a take, we were surprised when the fish eluded Greg's presentation.
George then grabbed Greg's Bonefish rod and proceeded to land this 10 pound Bonefish on the backcountry flats using
a tan "Sugarloaf Special" fly. What a beauty!
With several hours left in the day, we then hunted for the grand slam Permit. On one particular opportunity, George spotted some fish about 30 feet from the starboard transom
and casually mentioned that there were some Bonefish behind us. When I glanced back I saw three 20-25 pound Permit cruising by, and quickly pleaded with George "Those are Permit, CAST, CAST, CAST!" George made a valiant effort, but the wary fish were away out of range in seconds. A few more tough shots later put us
back at the dock with a Tarpon-Bonefish day. Greg consoled George and the two shook hands with each other and Capt. Dexter after a good day of fishing the flats.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 5:36 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
The winds have subsided and a big push of Tarpon moved in from the reef today with one 50 fish daisy chain that Mark McVeigh and a "Black Death" fly took advantage of this morning. Here is Mark giving the down and dirty to a 90-100 pound Tarpon.
Here is Mark's Tarpon in full flight!
Don Wilkerson jumped a 100+ pound Silver King and brought another 70 pound Tarpon to the boat on a "Black Death" fly during the past few days. Here is the larger of Don's two Tarpon jumping.
Experience pays dividends when it comes to fly fishing for Tarpon on the flats and Don has had both fish eat the fly in the shallows after making perfect presentations.
Here is another jumping Tarpon taken on fly during the past few days.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 6:10 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
Strong South winds have roiled the flats on the Atlantic side of the Keys today, so the Gulf and Backcountry flats are being targeted for Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit. Don Wilkerson jumped a 100+ pound Silver King and brought another 70 pound Tarpon to the boat on a "Black Death" fly during the past few days. Experience pays dividends when it comes to fly fishing for Tarpon on the flats and Don has had both fish eat the fly in the shallows after making perfect presentations.
Here is a jumping Tarpon taken on fly.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 - 9:48 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
The big push has not arrived yet, however we are catching Tarpon on fly. With just a trickle of fish showing on the flats, experienced anglers are the difference between skunked days and successful ones. Jonathan Dyer and Michael Dinner, both veterans of the Tarpon flats, know how to make the fish eat and how to fight the silver king to the boat. Mike and Jonathan make the most out of their chances by capitalizing on each fish that eats the fly. Seldom do they let one get away or jump off the hook! I am proud to say that both of them are former winners of the Shep Simmons Memorial Angler of the Year award.
Here is Mike Dinner from Toronto with a Tarpon taken today on a "Black Death" fly.
Here is Jonathan Dyer with a Silver King taken with a "Cockroach" fly.
Both fish were revived and nursed into strong swimming strokes prior to release so that we may catch them again on another day.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 19, 2003 - 5:52 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
Tarpon on the fly is a controlled substance. Variables such as weather conditions, migration patterns, and fly casting ability either help or hinder the angler's quest for hook-ups.
Generally speaking, you can count on the weather to be predictably warm enough in May and June to bring our water temps into the low to mid 80's. The warming waters have a springing effect on the spawning migration of the Megalops Atlanticus schools. With light southeast winds and warm waters, the Tarpon will form "daisy chains" or a circles of swimming fish performing their spawning ritual in
shallows along the island chain of the Florida Keys. That is when the fly fishing anglers have their most fun.
Here is a Jonathan Dyer with a 50 pound silver king caught with a "cockroach" fly this morning.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer,
fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 9:28 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
Finally, the winds have shifted into the prevailing East-Southeast and the Tarpon action is beginning to heat up on the flats. We are getting numerous shots at strings of Tarpon on shallow flats, laid up Tarpon in basins, and there are even a few "channel fish" to cast to at first light. While the forecast is for the winds to freshen to 20 knots by Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, at least we have a positive wind pattern established for a change. When it gets a bit windy, then we may have to find more channel Tarpon or laid up Tarpon than strings of cruising fish.
Here is a Tucker Murray hooked up to a 120 pound silver king.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 5:46 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
North winds have kept the fishing temperatures cooled off. There has been some spotty Tarpon action on the Atlantic side of
the Keys during the past week. We have had some shots at baby Tarpon, laid up and cruising adult Tarpon on the flats and a few Permit and Bonefish on the flats. Overall, April has been tough fishing. We need the wind to shift into the Southeast for a week or so to motivate a "push" of Tarpon
from the deeper Atlantic.
Here is a Tarpon boated in April.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 7:58 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
The Fishing Report.
April 15, 2003
March came in like a lamb with great weather and fishing, then went out like a lion with a severe cold front that knocked us off the water for three days into the beginning of April. Since then, the April fishing has been tough on the flats with mostly windy and cool days. Currently we have Northeast winds which have kept the water temperatures cooled off into the low 70's in the nighttime and mornings, creeping into the high 70's in the afternoons. We have had some shots at Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish on the flats, but the action has been spotty at best! Only bait boats chumming madly have had great success in April.
Here is a Tarpon taken in April.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 10:26 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
The Fishing Report.
March 29, 2003
The Permit are still "Marching". Here is Tom Levy with a nice Permit.
Here is a March Tarpon taking air.
There are also Bonefish swarming on the flats as well if you can pull yourself away from
the Tarpon power game and the pesky Permit.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 11:10 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
March 20, 2003
Record high temperatures continue here in the Keys in March. Here is a March Tarpon jumped by Greg.
Here is a March Tarpon taking air.
Permit are also flocking around the flats in their pre-spawning ritual.
There are also Bonefish swarming on the flats as well if you can pull yourself away from
the Tarpon power game and the pesky Permit.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 4:05 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
March 14, 2003
Early Tarpon season continues to heat up here in the Keys as the weather has been unseasonably warm with light winds.
Here is a March Tarpon taking air.
Permit are also flocking around the flats in their pre-spawning ritual.
There are also Bonefish swarming on the flats as well if you can pull yourself away from
the Tarpon power game and the pesky Permit.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the summer, fall and winter.
For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:46 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
March 3, 2003
March has come in like a lamb, and the water temperatures are in the high seventies to low
80's on the flats. Light winds from the south-southeast are currently turning the flats fishing on. IT IS RED HOT! There are BIG Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish being caught on both sides of the Keys, Atlantic and Gulf.
Here is a Tarpon taking air. This fish
was jumped this morning by Richard Darnon in five feet of water.
The Tarpon took the fly 5 feet from the starboard gunnel of FlatsMaster, then promptly leaped up about five feet into the air nearly landing on the bow of the boat. We estimated the size of this massive silver king to be 120 pounds.
Yesterday, we landed a 130 pound Tarpon after a long fight.
There are Permit and Bonefish frolicking on the flats as well if you can pull yourself away from the Tarpon power game.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:45 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
March 3, 2003
March has come in like a lamb, and the water temperatures are in the high seventies to low
80's on the flats. Light winds from the south-southeast are currently turning the flats fishing on. IT IS RED HOT! There are BIG Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish being caught on both sides of the Keys, Atlantic and Gulf.
Here is a Tarpon taking air. This fish
was jumped this morning by Richard Darnon in five feet of water.
SRC="http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/tarponrichard.jpg" WIDTH=272 HEIGHT=300>
The Tarpon took the fly 5 feet from the starboard gunnel of FlatsMaster, then promptly leaped up about five feet into the air nearly landing on the bow of the boat. We estimated the size of this massive silver king to be 120 pounds.
Yesterday, we landed a 130 pound Tarpon after a long fight.
There are Permit and Bonefish frolicking on the flats as well if you can pull yourself away from the Tarpon power game.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 9:29 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Lower Keys, Marquesas Fly Fishing Report
Feb. 25, 2003
In between cold fronts, the Permit, Tarpon, and even a few Bonefish have been turning on.
We are also getting some good size Jack Crevalle
The Jack Crevalle in the above photo was one of several caught by Mary Carol Skinner on the way to the Marquesas.
Mary Carol also hooked a Permit on fly and several Barracuda that day.
There should be some great Permit fishing coming up during the next several days, as the water is warming into the mid 70's and the forecast is for some SE winds during the next several
days! So, if you want to catch a Permit on fly, get ready, this could be the week!
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats
Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net
|
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 4:05 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Feb. 8, 2003
A recent warm spell has turned on the Tarpon. Here is a 100 pound February Silver King jumped and landed by Brad from Wisconsin
Want to catch a False Albacore? Here in the Keys they are now available on the Gulf side flats! We know them as "Little Tunny". Here is one of several caught in early February by Ted Souchak
Permit hace begun to really turn on during the warm up. They have been found on the incoming tides around channel flats. Here is a Permit taken in February.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - 1:22 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Jan. 25, 2003
Record low temperatures have chilled the Keys in recent days. However, Barracuda and Jack Crevalle are moving into the shallows in good numbers. Here is a nice winter Jack Crevalle caught by Barbara McGuire
When the waters are cool we can still find the occasional Bonefish near the edge of a channel. Here is a Bonefish taken during winter cool weather.
When the Keys warm up again into the high 70's or low 80's, then we will see a push of Winter Tarpon. Here is a Tarpon taken last February.
Permit begin to really turn on when waters warm in the winter thaw. Here is a winter Permit.
> Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 1:01 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Jan. 17, 2003
It is easy to get Cabin Fever this time of year, especially if you are in a cold weather environment. Fear not, there is a cure for this condition! While away your hours at home by tying a few flys or leaders and dreaming of your next fishing trip. Thinking back to last January, I was in Australia and New Zealand for a fishing holiday of my own. I researched the trip for nearly two years before settling on my places to go and sights (fish) to pursue. I learned a few new tricks about splicing lines and leaders. I also learned patience, as the Marlin we were hunting were not migrating in the waters off of Eastern Australia in January. So I settled for Golden Trevally on the flats off of Fraser Island with a guide by the name of Sid Boshammer.
I also settled for a few nice rainbows with guide Alan Simmons in New Zealand
After I had returned to the states and was in full Tarpon Season Swing, I learned that the Black and Striped Marlin were further North (closer to Brisbane, nearly 600 miles North of where we were fishing-Australia is huge!). They didn't arrive in big numbers around the Port Stephens area until mid-February, long after my departure. Like Marlin, the Tarpon migration in the Atlantic waters can be early or late. Usually weather is a major factor in Winter or early Spring. When the water warms into the mid to high 70's, then they begin to migrate out of the deeper waters into the near shore channels, basins and flats.
Soon, when the warm weather arrives and stays around for awhile, we will be Tarpon, and a big surge of Permit, and some Bonefish too.
Now is the time to make your plans for the best Tarpon, Permit fishing of the season, from the end of January through June. Bonefishing will also be very good from March through October.
Here is a Permit caught during February in the photo above.
Most of the best Tarpon fishing during the past several years has been during February and March.
In the photo above, guides and anglers who fished last March will all agree that the Tarpon bite was on.
Bonefish can be caught in the winter too, as demonstrated in this photo of a late January catch
Here John Cusack, Sr. and his son-in-law caught a permit double on the flats with Capt. Dexter.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 12:08 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Jan. 7, 2003 Happy New Year!
Old Man Winter has been blowing in from the North during the past month, chilling Keys waters into the 60's, sending our big three flats species (Tarpon Bonefish, Permit) into deeper waters where they are less effected by sea surface temperature changes. So, the sight fishing on the flats has been limited to Barracuda, Shark and a few odd Bonefish or Permit that show up in the middle of the afternoon warm up near channels. There are also Jack Crevalle, Bar Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, and Snapper in the channels that can be caught on heavily weighted Clouser patterns.
Soon, when the January thaw comes along, we will be seeing Cobia, Tarpon, and a big surge of Permit, and more Bonefish on the channel edges. Now is the time to make your plans for the best fishing of the season, from the end of January through June.
Here is a Tarpon caught during February in the photo above.
Most of the best Tarpon fishing during the past several years has been during February and March.
In the photo above, guides and anglers who fished last March will all agree that the Tarpon bite was on.
MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? 1. Fish more days and to catch more fish! 2. Teach every angler to double-haul (including my sons!). 3. Take more action photos and write more reports and fishing stories. 4. Fish different waters, find new hot spots. 5. Stay fit and healthy.
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here John Cusack, Sr. and his son-in-law caught a permit double on the flats with Capt. Dexter.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 7:04 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Dec. 15, 2002 Happy Holidays!
We have had a typical fall pattern to our fishing during the past month. Cold fronts rolling
through, followed by cool temps and windy days, followed by warming days when the fish turn on. There have been Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish showing when the water warms to the mid to high 70's.
When the Grand Slam fish are unavailable, then there are usually hook ups available for Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Snapper, Mackerel, and even some Cobia.
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here John Cusack, Sr. and his son-in-law caught a permit double on the flats with Capt. Dexter.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 12:46 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
November 14, 2002
Our next cold front is here and by week's end we will have temps in the high 60's at night and in the mid to high 70's during the day. This is good news to local anglers who have had enough of the long Indian Summer this fall. The remainder of November and December and January should be good for Bonefish, Permit and baby Tarpon in between cold fronts. Here is a nice 20 pound baby taken last winter! 
Here is a Bonefish taken last December!
And here is a Permit taken last January!
When the water cools too much from cold fronts, then the Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, and Cobia action should heat up.
Here is a nice cuda taken last winter! 
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here John Cusack, Sr. and his son-in-law caught a permit double on the flats with Capt. Dexter.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Trips are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 28, 2002 - 11:19 am: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
October 28, 2002
Our next cold front is on its way and by weeks end we will have temps in the low 70's or high 60's at night and in the high 70's or low 80's during the day. This is good news to local anglers who have had enough of the long Indian Summer this fall. Another cooling cold front will motivate the Bonefish and Permit on the Gulfside flats.
November is typically good for Bonefish, Permit and baby Tarpon. Here is a nice 20 pound baby taken last November! 
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here John Cusack, Sr. and his son-in-law caught a permit double on the flats with Capt. Dexter.
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 8:05 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
October 14, 2002
October is here and so is some of the best Bonefishing and Permit fishing of the year. With strong tides and fair winds form the East we have scored recently on Permit in the Marquesas. Here, Drew proudly displays a 25 pound beauty!
We are chomping at the bit to see another cool down in water temperatures so that schools of tailing Bones and Permit will show on the grass flats providing anglers with some fantastic wading shots.
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 04, 2002 - 9:30 am: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
October is here and so is some of the best Bonefishing of the year. The waters have begun to cool a bit and the tropical winds have settled down creating a window of opportunity this week for some fabulous tailing Bonefish action on the Gulf side flats.
Schools of tailing Bones are showing on the grass flats providing anglers with some fantastic wading shots. These fish run from 5 to 15 pounds and they will test your pinpoint casting and angling skills.
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this past summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Don the Wisconsin deer
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 11:58 pm: | |
Subject: What's biting in late December in the keys?
Good evening, I'll be in Key west from Dec 23 - 30. What kind of Marlin fishing do you see at that time of the year? also, what other fish are being caught at that time of the year. I'm giving up one of this years pheasant hunts to take the family to Key west and we want to fish both deep sea and flats. What can I expect? |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 9:44 am: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
It has been a summer to remember here in the fabulous Florida Keys. Teaching fly casting to fathers and sons & daughters has been a lot of fun. So much so that I want to share a few stories of our experiences with you.
"Crawl before Walk, Fish before Fly."
We have all heard the metaphor that crawling comes before walking and most of us have used it from time to time. Our children most certainly are the best examples of crawling before walking, mewling and puking before table manners, etc., etc. Well, the same concept undoubtedly applies to teaching kids how to fish, with fly or without.
In my experience, it is best to take the baby steps approach. Put your kids in a situation where they will hook up a fish with whatever tackle is available. Since most kids under 12 lack the attention span to learn the skills need to flycast, I recommend conventional gear to start. If you must be a purist, then find a well stocked trout stream in freshwater or a "jack honey hole" in saltwater where you can help them cast to get hooked up.
Don't be overly concerned with proper technique, allow your child to make mistakes without being hounded or scolded. Remember, fishing is SUPPOSED TO BE FUN! So make sure that the primary focus is fun and allow the technical mumbo jumbo about technique to take a back seat. I have a funny story to back this tenet up!
Ali and her dad, Mike, were out fishing with me early one morning and they were very excited. Mike really wanted to hook up with a Tarpon. Ali (10) was just happy to be with her dad fishing out of Key West. It didn't take long before Ali had a nice Jack Crevalle to the boat on conventional tackle. Mike was coaching Ali to keep her tip up during the fight, and he was very excited to see his daughter land wth 5 pound Jack Crevalle all by herself. In fact, Ali landed half a dozen Jack Crevalles before her dad had landed two! She definitely had the hot hand and Mike was beginning to laugh that maybe she should be teaching him how to fish!!
Mike was really excited when he saw the first Tarpon roll about 20 feet from the boat, and he pointed out the Silver King to Ali, who was a casting machine. Cast after cast sailed downwind for the ten year old. After each cast she retrieved the line steadily, twitching the mirrolure plug back to the boat like a pro. Mike, on the other hand, mistakenly hooked up a crab trap and we labored to free his lure when the screech rang through the morning air. "I've got a Tarpon!!!" yelled Ali. The monstrous fish exploded out of the water just 15 feet from the bow of the boat. A 100 pound missle of silver, bronze and white skyrocketed into the morning sun, crashing to the surface in a saltwater gusher. Dad yelled instructions to his daughter to keep the tip up, keep the tip up, when the Tarpon jumped again, throwing the plug in a gill-rattling display of power and might.
"Dad, I thought Captain Dexter taught us to BOW to the king. How can I bow to the Tarpon when you want me to keep my tip up?" What could Mike say? In the heat of a Tarpon battle he had lost it, and his instructions to his daughter had pulled the plug out of the Tarpon's mouth. "I should have kept my mouth shut, I guess, great job Ali!" Ali was not disappointed at all. In fact, she was eager to hook another Tarpon. When the day wound down to an end and Ali had caught more fish than her dad she begged her dad to bring her out again. Mike smiled and said, "Ali, you are the luckiest angler I know, I would be crazy not to bring you fishing again!" By the way, Mike did jump four Tarpon of his own that same day.
Ali was learning the fish crawl with her dad and yours truly. She was hooking up with conventional tackle she could handle, and there was no pressure to teach her new tricks. Dad and Capt. Dexter will teach her to walk and cast with the fly rod in due time. Right now her mission is to hook and catch fish, and she is doing a darn good job of it. Bless her little heart!>
Father and Son fishing trips were the happening activity this summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster". So much fun was had by all that Capt. Dexter has decided to extend the concept of father or mother and son or daughter into the fall and winter seasons!
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are now scheduled for throughout the fall and winter. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Trips go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 10:33 am: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Wading the flats for tailing Bonefish is probably the most relaxing and satisfying saltwater fly fishing. When I think of all of the Bonefish that I have caught or have guided anglers to catch while wading on the flats, then I am reminded of the sense of absolute angling accomplishment. Big Bonefish like to feed surreptitiously, staying close to the edge of deep water basins or channels for an escape route in case of danger. They are spotted on early morning low tides tailing up on turtle grass flats like this 11 pound fish.
At times when you are wading, stalking the tailing fish in calf-deep water, it is prudent to stop for a few minutes to observe the fish that are out of range of your cast. Oftentimes the Bonefish will shy away from a wading approach that is too aggressive. They sense your presence from the noise that you are making when wading or from the vibrations of your movements in the water. Slow down or stop altogether and they may swim closer to you. Wes made a couple of casts to a pair of big Bonefish that tailed up about 15 feet from us. These fish tailed up onto the edge of the grass flat a moment or two after we had paused our wading to observe some tailing fish 100 feet away from us. Wes hooked up on his second cast and is pictured here fighting the Bonefish.
One of the reasons that anglers love to wade for Bonefish is that you become part of the natural surroundings where the fish live and feed. Wading in 85 degree shallow water over grass and sand beds you can observe the shrimp, crabs, rays, small sharks, birds and most importantly the Bonefish and Permit that like to feed in the shallows. At sunrise or sunset, it is a beautiful scenic encounter with mother nature's subtropical tidal flats. And if you are skillful enough to catch a Big Bonefish, then your quest will be complete.
Releasing a Big Bonefish is an important act to ensure that the fish is fully revived so that the fish will be able to avoid the dangers of sharks, etc in the short term after the release. Here, Wes cradles this 11 pound Bonefish making doubly sure that the fish is struggling to be free before the release.
Wes went on to catch two more Bonefish on fly during his one day of angling aboard "FlatsMaster" with Capt. Dexter.
 ....................................
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 4:06 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Getting Bonefish to swim into the net can be quite challenging, especially when the fish are over 5 pounds. At the end of the battle, they will usually swim around you or the boat in circles. If in the boat in water too deep or bottom too soft to wade, then you must have a large enough net with a handle long enough to reach in and scoop up the struggling fish.
If the fish is too big to fit in the net (many fish over 10 pounds reach lengths over 30 inches), then you must play the fish a bit longer. Easing Mr. Bonefish to the side of the boat or you legs when wading takes patience and skill. Do not try to force the fish to you or you just might break him off!
 When stalking big Bonefish in shallow water, it is better to be wading than in the boat for many reasons. First and foremost, you can approach tailing Bones with more stealth. Often getting as close as a few feet before being detected by the grey ghosts. Here, Bruce Nakao shows off a large Bonefish caught while tailing on a grass flat.
Father and Son fishing trips are the happening activity this summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster"
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Scotty
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - 8:49 pm: | |
Subject: First time off-shore in Key West
I've charted a boat during the first week of September and am looking for some local knowledge for off-shore fishing. From what I can find out on-line and else where 30 to 50 lb tackle with Ballyhoo and a variety of plastics and Feathers should do the trick. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 7:43 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
After a brief vacation off of the flats, Capt. Dexter is back chasing tailing Bonefish, Permit and rolling Tarpon.  Bonefish are all over the flats this summer, expecially during early mornings at low tide. Here, a 7 pound Bone has just taken the fly, and is exploding into his first firey run!
 Bonefish do not always tail, as the water depth is sometimes too deep to see their fins out of the water. In the picture above, the shadow of the fish is seen swimming away from the angler after the Bonefish was released. It is this same shadow of a Bonefish that anglers should look for when tails are not showing on the surface.
Father and Son fishing trips are the happening activity this summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster"
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 12:05 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Tailing Bonefish on the flats are the main course right now here in the Fabulous Florida Keys flats.  These are big Bones, ranging in size from 5 pounds to 15 pound+ monsters. Most of the really large Bonefish are found on the food-rich turtle grass flats on the Gulf side of the Keys.
Father and Son fishing trips are the happening activity this summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster"
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 21, 2002 - 4:30 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Father and Son fishing trips are the happening activity this summer on the Key West and Florida Keys flats with Capt. Dexter aboard "FlatsMaster"
Here Kyler and Kris Jones proudly display and 6 pound Bonefish caught on the flats with Capt. Dexter. Kyler (13 years old) hooked and landed the Bone using one of Capt. Dexter's hand tied Key West Bonefish Special flies. Later the same day Kyler hooked and nearly landed a twenty pound Permit!
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net |
captdext
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 1:38 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Summer fishing in the Keys is outstanding if you get an early start (6 a.m.) and look for tailing Bonefish or Permit on the flats and rolling Tarpon in the channels or basins.
To find tailing Bonefish or Permit on the flats in the early morning, it is essential that you understand the tides, winds, and fish tendencies. There are instances when Bones and Permit will be predictable, but it is all location oriented. It is a big ocean out there and without a little knowledge of "when and where" the fish will be virtually invisible to most people. If you are hunting for them on a particular flat, keep a sharp eye out for a silver flash under water, especially if the water is too deep (Over a foot or so deep) to see tails. The bright silver bodies of Bonefish and Permit will shine brilliantly when they turn to feed.
Tarpon can also be elusive if you are not tuned into their locations or what they look like when they roll
Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his sons Ben and Harrison, and it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at captdexter@prodigy.net
|
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 05, 2002 - 6:56 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
The fishing has improved during the past week or so with the weather finally becoming seasonably fair with afternoon chances of thunderstorms. The winds have been calm or light out of the ESE or variable making the fish very happy on the flats. Today we had at least 20 good shots at permit and 10 or more good shots at Tarpon. We also had some decent shots at Redfish and Bonefish. Summer fishing in the Lower Keys and Key West can be great on both the Gulf and Atlantic side flats.
This past 2002 Tarpon Season will go down in the books as the "Year of the Baby" in more ways than one! We caught and released alot of Baby Tarpon like the one pictured here with Alex Allen.
And Capt. Dexter's newest angler, his son Harrison, checked in at 9 lbs., 10 ounces on March 22, 2002!
Now that Capt. Dexter is teaching flycasting non stop this summer to his son Harrison, it is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip with your son or daughter! Our Father (Mother) - Son (Daughter) Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 25, 2002 - 2:11 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
There is an old joke about the fishing being "so good that they were jumping into the boat!" Well, sometimes this happens when the fishing is slow too. When you least expect it a Tarpon will jump into the boat and cause some havoc, breaking rods, spreading slime and blood (fish blood that is) everywhere!!! Well, this has happened many times on "FlatsMaster". However, one particular day this past week yielded a baby tarpon of 10 pounds that jumped into the stern hatch of the boat! On the link to the video following the image, Andrew Bloom is the angler of this hysterical encounter with a baby Silver King. Andrew and Capt. Dexter released the baby in good condition afterwards.
Click here to view the hysterical "Baby Jumps Into Boat" video.
Here, Andrew proudly holds a 5 pound Mutton Snapper caught on fly.
John Cusack Sr. proudly poses with his son in law on a permit double! Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 5:53 am: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
There are many opportunities to catch and release Tarpon. Tarpon have little, if any, food value. So releasing the fish in good condition is important. In the photo below David Wipf revives a 70 pound Silver King caught on June 12. This is one of three Tarpon caught by David in one day. Six hook ups, two jumped fish, three landed fish adds up to a pretty good day for David!
Many Tarpon are landed on the bow, then revived and released to be played another day. Here Jim Perdiew celebrates with Capt. Dexter and a 105 pound Silver King in the Marquesas.
This Tarpon season has been slower than usual due to poor weather. All the more reason to make the most out of every hookup by doing your homework and learning the proper techniques for hooking and fighting the Silver King. For beginners, check out the Billy Pate "Fly Rodding For Tarpon" videotape to learn the essentials of the sport. I also suggest that you read as many articles and books on the subject that you can get ahold of to understand the Tarpon behaviors prior to your first trip
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 9:12 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Bowing to the Silver King takes some practice. When a Tarpon jumps, it is important to lower your rod to reduce the tension on the terminal leader and hook. This "bowing" technique will usually help to keep your line connected to the fish. Failure to "bow" usually results in a break off or a thrown hook. In the photo taken today of Mark McVeigh, notice the lowered position of the rod as the estimated 80 pound Tarpon is airborne.
This Tarpon season has been slower than usual due to poor weather. All the more reason to make the most out of every hookup by doing your homework and learning the proper techniques for hooking and fighting the Silver King. For beginners, check out the Billy Pate "Fly Rodding For Tarpon" videotape to learn the essentials of the sport. I also suggest that you read as many articles and books on the subject that you can get ahold of to understand the Tarpon behaviors prior to your first trip.
Mark McVeigh's Tarpon fought us hard today only to be the unfortunate victim of a shark attack. This is a common occurence in the Keys during May and June, unfortunately. The real bummer is that we almost had the Tarpon close to the boat for a release when the attack took place and the Tarpon was lost. C'est La Vie!
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 27, 2002 - 10:13 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Here we are in Tarpon season, and I find myself teaching the technical elements daily. Here is one that should be practiced when sight casting to the silver king.
There are so many variables and subtle nuances to fly fishing for Tarpon! Many anglers are gun-shy. They are so worried about spooking the fish that they never get the fly into the strike zone. Typically, the best cast to an oncoming Tarpon or school of Tarpon is one that is cast toward the nose of the fish or the heads of the fish in the school. They will usually not turn more than 90 degrees to take a fly. So casting to their tails as they swim away from the boat is useless. You are better off casting to the heads of fish in the back of the school than casting to the tails of the lead fish. Also, the perfect cast is one lands the fly where the fish WILL BE, or about 3-6 feet in front of the fish. The stripping line is held onto during the cast (don't drop the line, let it slide through your hands as it shoots out toward the target). Done correctly, this type of cast will allow you to start stripping the fly slowly as soon as it lands. As the Tarpon swim toward your fly watch the fish closely. If he "commits" to the fly and starts chasing it, then gradually increase the pace of the strip to entice an "eat".
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 19, 2002 - 9:56 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
There are many reasons to fish as many days as you can during May and June in the Keys. Probably the most important reason is to improve your chances for good fishing weather. During the first 19 days of May we have had some very good days, many marginal days and several poor weather (rain or high winds) days. But the bottom line is that I will never forget the largest Tarpon I ever hooked up here in the Keys. That monster took a palalo worm fly during a 22 naut wind, so I am always an optimist despite poor conditions. Put your time in on the Tarpon flats and Mr. Megalops will reward you!
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Captain Paul Ollariu
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 11:44 am: | |
Subject: Just For Today Flats and Fly Fishing Madness
This season kicks off an incredible tarpon bite, tarpon seem to be gathering early this year so I'm starting my tarpon trips at around 5:30am --9:30am in this time we fish basins, cuts, channels and the harbor its self. Since February 2nd my anglers and I have jumped 125 tarpon and got over 15 to the boat of which one was a 178lb caught on 12lb test spinning rod. I cant remember the tarpon ever being here so early in the year and being so plentiful there seems to be tarpon everywhere we look. Permit are gathering in large numbers on the flats, several guides ive talked to have reported catching up to 3 permit aday. I still have some open days available in May, June and July for tarpon fishing please call me and I would be glad to help you with all your planning for your trip from a guest house with in walking distance to my boat and down town and any other needs you may have.
I can accommodate multiple day bookings in May, June and July please feel free to call me at home or cell to talk fishing. Until next time,
I stay forever loyal to the flats of the Florida Keys and my anglers.
Capt. Paul M. Ollariu
Visit my site at Flats Fishing Key West
I am available to answer any questions, inquiries or information that isn't provided in this site or if you'd like to set up an appointment, please feel free to call Capt. Paul on his cell phone at 305-304-1805 or 1-800-581-3659, Ext. 00 from the hours of 7 am to 10 pm.
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Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 5:36 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
The southeast winds have continued to blow with little respite during the past week or so. Fortunately, their are still enough Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit about the Gulf side flats to keep us busy. The Atlantic flats are a bit blown out and murky, though there are some Tarpon still showing laid up in basins. Here is one caught by Del on a windy day.
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 5:57 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Toronto Del with a male Tarpon who milted all over us!!!
Silver Kings rule the Florida Keys during May and June as thousands of anxious anglers flock to the flats for some thrilling Tarpon action. The fish have been arriving and spreading throughout the island chain, filling up the deep channels and basins. Their movements are usually influenced by weather. Southeast winds keep the water warm (in the 80's) and the fish
will respond by roaming around the shallow flats (3-10 feet of water) in large schools or "strings". These are the most exciting "shots" or opportunities for anglers to hook up Tarpon on fly. Del from Toronto landed the 70 pound Silver King (see above) after presenting Capt. Dexter's Black Death fly perfectly in front of the Tarpon, then fighting the fish with expertise to the boat within 30 minutes.
The winds have been up to 15 nauts the past few days, and the fish
slow down a bit in windy weather because the flats get a bit murky. However, the winds should subside a bit by the middle of next week, and the BIG PUSH of Tarpon should commence then.
Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
Capt. Dexter Simmons
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2002 - 7:10 pm: | |
Subject: Key West, Marquesas, Lower Keys Fly Fishing Report
Tarpon are stacking up at the deep water reefs and ready to invade the flats when the winds subside and shift into the SE for an extended period of time. We are hooking a few here and there on Atlantic and Gulf side flats. channels and basins, but the action is sporadic.
Permit have shown in larger numbers than expected during the past few days signaling an early return or just a break from their usual spawning run in April.
> Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West
Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm
You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at
captdexter@prodigy.net |
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