Mixed bag of different types species of fish in our “first of March” deep sea fishing report and forecast here on board the INXS. With ever changing weather patterns the are allowing us to get offshore without beating our people up we have managed some decent catches with our ability to customize our departure times to fit the bite..
This time of the year we typically see a pretty strong Blackfin tuna bite with an increasingly stronger sailfish presence just out past the reef. Color changes the you can put a straight edge on are key to the pelagic blue water and the inshore waters barrier that turns into a freeway of great fishing. Along that edge are the fish looking for an easy meal with birds over head and bait fearing for their lives. Often showering to roll the dice on an arial assault versus what lurks below. The color change has been meager and not very well defined. Some days have have had the current other days we look for it finding ourselves at 600 ft with a feeling of a desert.
Fishing Report
Good News! we are pretty darn flexible and versatile here on board the INXS. So, we have been mixing it up and making it happen.. This last couple weeks has held some interesting fishing for us. Never the same day to day for only one exception. The blackfin tuna bite has been pretty solid for us in the afternoon and evening bite. It has paid off for us being flexible on the fly till the tuna start chewing and that has really paid off. Out on the edge of the color change we have worked the frigates to find some decent mahi mahi. Not a lot of them but plenty for sure and decent size as well over 25″ fish (20″ is legal). The have been hitting our deep troll baits and our outrigger baits. Often we get a bull and a cow to eat under the birds between 180 and 250.
Paying attention to the tides on the reef can really help with a good bite for kingfish or any of the reef species. Current is really good for most every kind of fishing that we do here in Key West inshore or offshore. Fish like to feed in water that is moving. I think that it makes their prey more predictable. Along with a mackerel bite of Ceros and Kings we have also been using our Cannon Electric down riggers to troll the reef catch some nice yellowtail snapper, yellow jacks and tasty out of season grouper.
Slow trolling up on top of the reef can be a challenge this time of the year. First off our Cannon down riggers are set really deep within 10ft of the bottom. So when a large bottom fish eats it becomes imperative that the angler gets to work to prevent the fish from rocking up. Add that to the task of all the lobster trap buoys out there on the reef making this kind of fishing a true obstacle course for me behind the wheel. Good communication between me and my mate are key in this arena. Thats one of the reasons why we alway wear a great pair of head sets like our Ear Techs.
Fishing Forecast
Looking at the long range forecast it seems that winter is not quite done with us just yet. We have another cold front pushing through Monday the 10th and then it will get nice till the weekend where it will blow again without a temperature drop. March can be a windy month as a high pressure usually establishes over the Eastern Seaboard giving us those strong easterlies. When that happens the color change will be sharp as a tack and the sailfish will be marching down the reef edge. Although can be a bit rough it’s a great time for tailing sailfish. The tuna bite will remain consistent. I prefer the afternoon evening bite for them in March. The mahi will be hit or miss in March.
Fishing Charters
Avoid the Fishing Charter booking things on line. Call us direct. You should always speak to someone directly when booking a private charter. My wife Island Genn has some fantastic deep sea fishing boats on speed dial. If Garret and I cannot take you on board the INXS or if you find our rates to be a bit steep.. Call Gennifer. She has some fantastic deep sea fishing guides with rates that may be more to your budget. She also has up to the minute fishing reports.
Call Direct 305-292-7212
Text 305-304-5808
Split charters or Shared Per Person Fishing Charters are a great way to get on the water and just pay for one seat on a 6 passenger boat.
Click the Link Below to learn more and book.
