-Capt Rob Harris

To the untrained eye, it may seem as though the only “migration” taking place in the Keys happens along the well-known stretch of highway called “US 1”. Bumper-to bumper RVs, cars and trucks all heading south to take advantage of the more temperate weather, while avoiding the semi-frozen tundra of the Northern part of the mainland. As these voyagers of the highway make their way south on US 1, they often miss the telltale signs that winter has already arrived for most “other” species that consider the keys their winter home.

As you make your way through the Keys you’ll see Turkey Buzzards in large groups that sometimes number in the hundreds. You’ll also see Pelicans cruising the surface of the water in search of their next meal (more on this later). US 1 will also offer you a great view of many of the flats surrounding the island chain. As you look across the flats, you’ll see streaks of white (sand/ mud). Many of these are what are known as “muds” and are caused by baitfish and predators alike as they forage the bottom for food. These are just a few of the indicators that winter has arrived in the Keys. Using that information and applying it to your fishing is paramount. We started seeing the Pelicans in the Lower Keys and Key West in late November; which tells us that the cooler weather that pushes our main predators is underway to the north of us.

If you like to use live bait, let’s talk about the pelicans again. It’s well known that you need to be up early to find diving birds. If you come across pelicans diving on bait, take a minute to watch them before you rush in and throw on them. If they dive and keep their heads in the water for a prolonged time, chances are they are on small baits (Majua). If they dive and immediately pick their heads up, it’s a good bet they are on pilchards or some other “white bait” that would be preferred.

There’s plenty of action south of the islands too! Already we’ve had Sailfish showing up in numbers good enough to target. As a normal “bonus” fish, we have a late season run of Dolphin that you will find once you get “out there”. Without a doubt, the primary action will be Tuna and Wahoo. Tuna will be an early morning and late afternoon fishery, which will leave the bulk of the day for Sails, Wahoo and Dolphin.

The edge of the reef is a good hiding place for many small boat anglers when the winds blow hard out of the North. The proximity of deep water (65’-115’) to shore means that you get some relief from the wind as it blows against the islands. The short distance doesn’t give the wind too much of a chance to build the seas. If it’s just a bit too uncomfortable, you can always try the patch reefs in closer to shore. With the cooler water conditions, many of our deep-water species have moved in to take advantage of the prominence of bait in the area.

One of my favorite live baiting fisheries is Kingfish. Large live baits slow trolled behind the boat will always provide action. Nothing is better at getting your heart pumping than watching a smoker-sized King skyrocketing and blasting baits on the surface! Normally that visual effect is followed by the audible screaming drag clicker as line dumps from the reel faster than you thought was possible. It’s no secret; Kingfish “flock” to the keys in droves during winter and the best part is that they stay for several months.

Even though the pace of life ashore in the Keys is a little “slow”, the action can be fast and furious in the surrounding waters in December. “Catch’em Up”!

Captain Rob Harris of Got TA Go Charters can be reached:
by phone: (305) 587-9228
by E-Mail: rw_harris@msn.com