Our first cold fronts are hitting Key West as I write this report. It is going to get in the 70’s this week, not bad for a cold front. The fishing is going to get better and better as our water temps slowly drop. The Big Barracudas are going to start foraging on the flats looking for that warmer shallow water. I haven’t found a person that doesn’t love catching a Cuda on light tackle in the skinny water. A really amazing show by one of the oceans top predators.
The BackCountry basins are going to start filling up with our “fun” fish. These are the Jacks, SeaTrout, Sharks of all types, ladyfish, bluefish, snappers, etc. Not uncommon to catch a large variety and quantity of fish in these areas.
So call Capt John at 305.587.7669 to get in on the action!!!!
While its getting Cold up north, Key West is maintaining mid 70’s weather. That is actually a cool down for us in the Conch Republic and with those cool temps comes a new batch of fish to target.
This is the time of year that people love. Fishing in the back country basins and channels can be filled with life. Some of the target species for the coming months are going to be Sea Trout, Jacks, Pompano, Redfish, Ladyfish and of course if you find those there are going to be predators around. Blacktip, Lemon, Spinner and Bull Sharks love to hang around the edges of these schools and can make for some spectacular catches.
Barracudas are going to be showing up on the flats on these cool bluebird sky days and they are nothing short of amazing in the shallow water. If you’ve never caught one of these fish in 2 feet of water you will be shocked at their speed and power.
The ShadowCaster has gotten some new shoes!!!! 2014 115HP Yamaha 4 Stroke. In my opinion the most reliable, efficient motor on the market.
Days are booking up here so give Capt John a call at 305 587 7669 to get off the rock and experience what Key West is really all about!!
The fishing this year has been great and continues to be so. We’ve been so busy around here I haven’t posted lately, so I figured I’d let the pictures do the talking.
Here are some of the lucky anglers and their prize catches aboard the Shadowcaster.
Here are just a few of the Fish we have been catching aboard the ShadowCaster since the first of the year. As you can see the winter months bring many surprises and varieties of fish!!
With the weather patterns always changing we have been fishing differently everyday to maximize our catches.
Call Capt John @ 305 587 7669 today to take advantage of the warm weather and the great Key West fishing.
“One thing Key West has in abundance is flats fishing guides. Here’s why I fish with John:
The short of it is: John does whatever he can to make your experience outstanding. First, John finds out what you want to do. Then he customizes your trip to meet your desires and your skill level. If you don’t know what you want, or how good you are, John will design a trip to give you a broad experience, and adjust the day as conditions and ability come clear.
Sure, John is experienced, knowledgeable and always ready early. He uses the best bait and his tackle is in pristine condition. You’d think that is a “given” for a professional fishing captain – but believe me, it is not.
My son wanted to catch barracuda. He has serious hip problems. John set up a cushioned seat on the bow – my son caught 15 ‘cudas in one day. My wife wanted to catch her first fish in the sea, and “bend a rod”. She caught eight (I think) redfish, all 24 inches plus, and a few big Jacks and a few ‘cudas. Yes, I’ve caught Tarpon – lots of them – plus Permit and ‘cudas in February and March. Even a 40+ pound Jewfish. We killed nothing – John’s preference, always.
But the key to John is this: when my wife threw her lure into the mangroves, Before she could say “oh no!”, she had a baited rod in her hand and John was pointing out fish. When I jumped a Tarpon off, John had another rod in my hand before I could say my version of “oh no!”. John runs around the boat to make sure you fish continuously. Never criticizes or rales on the client. This, too, should be a “given”, but believe me, it’s not. It’s fun to watch John coreograph the dance when both fishermen hook up at the same time. His focus is on your experience – many other guides simply don’t get this.
My wife sums up John with a simple “John is a gentleman”. Yes, he is.
Winter has arrived in Key West. This is a great time of year to target the flats around Key West. After the cold fronts push through, the blue bird skies and cool temperatures are right behind. As the water temps drop we are going to be targeting nice big Jacks and Barracudas on the flats. Always ready with a rod armed with a live crab for the Permit that can show up out of nowhere. This a a very visual type of fishing and provides some spectacular bites.
When the wind is up we can still get out there and bend the rod on some fish. The basins and grass flats come alive with Sea Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish, Pompano, and Blacktip Sharks. This fishing is for all skill levels and came be filled with action. Give Capt John a call @ 305-587-7669 to get out on the water and experience what Key West is all about!!
