Archived March 2018 report: Fishing observations, water conditions, charter offerings, and Hurricane Irma recovery information below reflect that period.
We just finished a warm February and are heading into spring break with some great fishing opportunities. Spring brings a variety of possibilities, and the best plan starts with understanding what your group enjoys and what the conditions allow.
With fish moving through our area, predicting the exact catch is difficult. Recent customer pictures on my Facebook page can give you a feel for what we have been doing. Every trip brings a different mix of opportunities.
Big Yellowtail Snapper on the Deep Reef
Some of my normal February fishing patterns have been off, but other opportunities have more than made up for the change. On the deep reef, we have been finding yellowtail snapper in sizes I usually associate with the later spring spawning period, including fish well over 20 inches.
These bigger yellowtail make for memorable catches. Getting one to cooperate on light tackle is a satisfying challenge, and we have had some impressive fish aboard.
Bayside Fishing When the Wind Picks Up
On windy days, the shallower bayside has given us more comfortable places to fish for big mangrove snapper. Having those alternatives helps us keep the day enjoyable when the ocean side is too bumpy.
For guests interested in a bigger workout, we have also had some tackle-testing shark encounters. Those trips depend on the conditions and whether that kind of challenge fits the group.
Clearer Water After Months of Difficult Conditions
Conditions for in-water activities have improved dramatically since last month. Over the past week or so, pretty blue water has pushed onto the main reef and even closer to shore. On the day of this report, the reef was glowing neon blue, with a water temperature of 76°F and seas around one foot.
That is encouraging after roughly five months without an in-water charter. The effects of Hurricane Irma made it a long wait, and seeing clearer conditions return has been a welcome change.
Spring weather will still bring ups and downs. If you are booking at the last minute, look at the local forecast before choosing an activity. For trips reserved further ahead, keep watching conditions as the date approaches and contact me if you see a possible conflict.
For the spearfishing trips offered during this period, rod-and-reel fishing was the backup when underwater conditions were unsuitable. We would discuss that plan before the outing.
I had very little recent information about lobster availability. Late-season lobster trips were generally outside my usual offerings because worthwhile catches were difficult to find. At the time, I asked anyone considering an outing before April 1 to call first so we could discuss whether it made sense. That was a trip-planning reference for this report, rather than a date to use for future seasons.
Spring Break Beyond Fishing
If your group wants something different from fishing or reef snorkeling, a sandbar outing can be a relaxing way to spend time on the water. Depending on the location and conditions, we can explore the shallows, enjoy some light snorkeling, try mermaid tails, or simply float and unwind.
My trips are custom outings, so tell me what interests you. I will help you work through what is practical for your group and the weather. Sometimes the best vacation day is the one with a little less on the schedule.
The Middle Keys Continue Rebuilding
As of March 2018, the Middle Keys were making steady progress after Hurricane Irma. Visitor activity was strong, daily routines were returning, and recent guests often told me the area looked very different from the storm coverage they remembered.
That did not mean recovery was finished. Many businesses remained closed, while others were preparing to reopen. But compared with even two months earlier, the progress was clear. It was good to see people returning and enjoying the place we had been working hard to restore.
If you are putting together a spring break boat day, tell me who is coming and what sounds fun. I’ll help you choose a fishing, snorkeling, or custom outing that fits your crew and leaves room to work with the conditions.
