Archived July 2018 outlook: Fishing expectations, boat plans, departure times, and booking instructions below reflect that period. Confirm current offerings and regulations before reserving.
If you fished the Keys in June, you know we had some outstanding catching! July brings a few changes, plenty of summer opportunities, and a new chapter for my business.
A New Boat for July
If you read my last update or checked the rates page, you may have seen that a new boat was coming into service in early July. Getting it ready has been a long road and a labor of love. I am looking forward to putting that work to use.
I believe both new guests and returning customers will appreciate the fishing platform it provides. There will be new routines to learn aboard, but that is part of moving the business forward.
Prepare for Summer in the Keys
July means heat, humidity, strong sunshine, and the possibility of rain. If you are visiting from somewhere cooler, a boat day here may feel different from what you are used to. Preparing for the elements makes a considerable difference to your comfort.
Please review my Trip Tips and share the information with everybody coming aboard. Bring sun protection, drinks, and what you need to stay comfortable. When we arrive prepared, we can spend more time enjoying the activity.
Morning Fishing and Time in the Water
As summer heats up, a fishing and snorkeling combination becomes an appealing option. Our reef bite generally slows around 10 a.m., so I have been leaving the dock at 7:30 a.m. to take advantage of the early feeding window.
After fishing, we can consider snorkeling to cool off and enjoy another part of the reef. That depends on visibility, sea conditions, and your group’s comfort in the water. Morning trips also give us a better chance of working ahead of afternoon thunderstorms.
For this July schedule, I am offering morning half-day reef trips and night snapper trips rather than midday reef fishing. Snorkeling, sandbar outings, mermaid-tail activities, and the spearfishing trips offered during this period have more flexibility in timing. Lobstering also depends on its season and suitable conditions.
At the time of this report, night-trip reservations used the 1–5 p.m. booking slot, with “Night Trip” and group details clearly entered in the notes. The actual outing would run approximately 7–11 p.m. Those were special booking arrangements for this period; confirm the current process before reserving.
July Reef Fishing Outlook
June has been so good that I am hoping July follows its lead. Yellowtail snapper should remain a main target, although their average size may decrease as the heat builds.
The bigger schools of mangrove snapper have been late arriving on the reef. I expect them to become an important part of our July fishing, with early mornings and nights offering opportunities for larger fish, including mangroves around five pounds.
Recent reef catches have also included mutton snapper, yellow jacks, bar jacks, and an occasional grouper. The conditions will help us decide which opportunities to pursue each day.
Offshore Fishing Is a Team Effort
I expect dolphin, also called mahi-mahi, and tuna to remain worthwhile offshore targets through July. An early start is especially helpful for tuna.
I also often bring an electric deep-drop outfit to fish the bottom in 650–1,000 feet of water when conditions allow. During this reporting period, tilefish and snowy grouper provided additional opportunities where regulations permitted. Those deeper, colder waters give us another option when surface fishing slows.
Offshore outings involve active participation. You are my crew, helping fight fish, set lines, and clear equipment. I teach throughout the trip, but familiarity with the basics helps us build on those instructions and make better use of opportunities.
Our offshore trips this year have produced excellent results, but every group has a different learning curve. Working with outriggers, rods, and reels requires care and attention. Ask questions when something is unclear, and be ready to work together as the day develops.
My YouTube channel has some general information and visual examples to help you prepare. Spending a little time learning beforehand gives us a stronger starting point. I also hope to add more videos explaining the activities I offer.
Thank You for Helping the Business Move Forward
As I prepare for this next chapter, I have been thinking about what got me here. Hurricane Irma disrupted lives and businesses throughout the Keys, and I am grateful to have come through it with the chance to keep building.
Thank you to the guests who have supported the business, returned for another outing, and shared honest reviews of their experiences. Those recommendations mean a lot to a small operation like mine.
If you are choosing between a morning reef trip, a fishing and snorkeling combination, or a more involved offshore day, tell me what your crew enjoys. I’ll help you work out which adventure fits your group and how to prepare for it.
