Archived May 2017 report: Fishing observations, seasonal openings, boat plans, and charter arrangements below reflect that period. Confirm current offerings and species-specific regulations before booking.
Thank you to all my spring break and April customers! We have worked through a long stretch of wind and challenging conditions, and I appreciate everybody’s flexibility as we adjusted the plans.
Snorkeling, spearfishing, and mermaid-tail outings have been limited, and I have only made it far offshore once or twice this year. Thankfully, fishing closer to shore has given us plenty of worthwhile alternatives. Good communication has helped us choose outings that fit both the weather and the people aboard.
Excellent Yellowtail Snapper Fishing
The yellowtail snapper bite along the reef edge has been excellent on most days. When the current lines up with the wind and we get the presentation working, we can put together some impressive catches.
I teach the technique throughout the trip, and a willingness to practice makes a difference. Yellowtail fishing can look simple once everything comes together, but small adjustments are often what turn a drifting bait into a hooked fish.
Grouper Have Home-Field Advantage
The May 1 reopening for the seasonally closed grouper species discussed in this report gives us more opportunities. These fish are popular requests, but hooking one and landing it are two different accomplishments.
Grouper are strong, quick, and very familiar with the structure they call home. The first part of the fight can decide whether we get the fish clear or it gets back into cover. Even with experience, plenty of those battles go to the grouper.
I hope to bring a few good keepers aboard over the coming weeks. Be ready to listen, react, and put some effort into the fight. Nobody comes away from a solid grouper encounter saying the fish made it too easy.
Other recent reef catches have included yellow jacks, bonita, cero mackerel, kingfish, ocean triggerfish, filefish, and assorted surprises.
Wreck Fishing and Offshore Possibilities
Deep wreck fishing has been fair, with wind limiting our opportunities lately. When we can work those areas, the mix can include mutton snapper, American red snapper, vermilion snapper, amberjacks, and almaco jacks. What we can keep depends on the rules for each species.
High winds and heavy seas have kept most of my offshore plans on hold. Reports from boats reaching the humps, about 27 miles offshore, suggest the tuna bite remains good.
This is also when dolphin, or mahi-mahi, begin showing up. We often see quality before quantity early in the season. Last year’s dolphin fishing was unusually difficult in my experience, so I am hoping for a better pattern this time around.
Electric Deep Dropping Adds Another Option
On calmer days with manageable Gulf Stream current, electric deep dropping lets us explore the bottom in 600–1,000 feet of water. Tilefish, snowy grouper, and other deep-water species can provide alternatives when the surface fishing is slow and regulations allow.
This is fishing on the dark side of the moon: electric reels, heavy line, several pounds of lead, and a very different environment below us. The logistics are fascinating, and the fish can be excellent eating. It is a slower style of fishing, but seeing what comes up is part of the reward.
Protected-Water Alternatives
Many recent windy-day trips have taken us to bridge channels, shallow flats, and other more protected areas. Shallow-water shark fishing has been very good, while mangrove snapper fishing has been fair and improving.
Some combination trips have focused on snapper for dinner before switching to larger sharks for a different challenge. That has helped us make worthwhile days from weather that limited our original plans.
Bridge tarpon and wreck permit are also possibilities. These are more specialized outings, best discussed with anglers interested in the teamwork and techniques involved. Ask before booking so we can decide whether the opportunity suits your group.
A Hands-On Charter Experience
I built Florida Keys Reel Adventures around participation. You are my crew, learning the methods and doing the work that leads to your catch. My role is to teach, guide, and help you progress through the challenge.
That format is rewarding for many guests, but different charter styles suit different people. If you prefer more assistance, different facilities, or another level of comfort, tell me. I would rather help you find a good match than have you book an experience you did not want.
At the time of this report, I was also considering a larger boat with more features. Those plans were still developing, with the goal of improving guest comfort while keeping the hands-on experience that defines my trips.
If you are weighing reef fishing, an offshore outing, or a more specialized challenge, tell me what you enjoy and how much experience your group has. I’ll help you choose a sensible plan and explain what your part in the adventure will involve.
