Archived report from July 11, 2020: Water temperatures, fishing observations, departure times, and booking availability below reflect that date.
I’m keeping this report simple. As of July 11, I am on a 41-day stretch of charters since the Keys reopened. It has felt like spring break for two months straight: busy docks, lots of visitors, serious summer heat, and occasional rounds of intense tropical rain.
The good news is that fishing and our other activities have been producing some really enjoyable trips. Choosing the right time of day has made a big difference.
Morning Reef Fishing Is the Way to Go
Our reef water is currently 88°F, and the early bite has been good. Once the sun gets high, both the fishing and your comfort can head in the wrong direction.
My advice for this stretch of summer is straightforward: choose a morning reef trip instead of a four-hour afternoon trip from 1–5 p.m. I can operate an afternoon outing, but it will come with more heat and lower fishing expectations. I want you spending your time enjoying the trip, rather than counting the minutes until you can cool off.
Offshore Tuna and Deep Dropping
Offshore tuna fishing has been really consistent. Dolphin, also called mahi-mahi, have been running much smaller over the past few weeks.
Calm conditions have also given us opportunities to fill slower periods with electric deep dropping. We have caught some giant grouper doing it. Watching for a bite is not everybody’s idea of excitement, but when it works, it is pretty amazing! It gives us another option when conditions allow.
My Favorite Summer Combination Trip
My top recommendation right now is a four-hour morning fishing and snorkeling trip. For these outings, we have been leaving the dock at 7:15 a.m., fishing for about two hours, and finishing with snorkeling wherever we have the best visibility.
That lets us fish during the early feeding window and get in the water as the day warms up. For many groups, it is a fun, manageable way to enjoy two different sides of the Keys. Weather, visibility, and everybody’s comfort in the water still determine how we put the trip together.
Lobster Mini Season and Charter Offerings
My lobster mini season dates are fully booked for July 2020. I do not have another operator to recommend for those dates.
I have also stopped offering spearfishing charters and do not currently have a referral for that activity. Please review the trip information on my website before making a reservation so we are planning around an activity I offer.
Help Me Make Your Trip Work for You
My business remains open, and I am grateful to be working. Operating through the pandemic has also brought uncertainty and extra pressure. Please keep actively sick guests off the boat and contact me before arriving if illness affects your group. Staying healthy helps me keep serving the people scheduled after you.
Most recent trips have gone really well. The information on my website is there to help that happen: choose an activity that fits your group, prepare for the heat and sun, and tell me about any needs that could affect the plan.
Not everybody needs a cooler full of fish to have a great day. Some groups want to learn and work hard at catching; others want a relaxed outing with a little fishing and time in the water. I can plan much better when I know what matters to you.
I’m in the fun business, and your idea of fun belongs in the conversation. If an early fishing and snorkeling trip sounds like your kind of morning, tell me who is coming and what you would enjoy most. We’ll build from there, with the conditions helping us choose the best plan.
