My outlook for September and October is there is no better time to visit the Florida Keys if you want to avoid the crowds. Although it is the peak of storm season, it is also a very quiet time of year for hotels, restaurants and fishing guides. This means less pressure on fish, better rates at hotels and more availability of everything.
Inshore, sometime in the month of September, the water starts to cool down just a little bit. Bonefish tend to get hungry when this happens, so this is the time of year to chase them. Tailing fish are my main target at this time. A good flood tide will bring these guys up into one-foot depths and they feed aggressively. A fly, live shrimp or small live crab will earn a bite. Small tarpon are still a good target, as well and permit, too. Fishing for snook and redfish around Flamingo in the Everglades National Park is a very safe bet, as well.
On the reef, mangrove and yellowtail snapper are a great target, as are grouper, whose numbers do seem to be up lately - possibly due to the four-month seasonal closure (January-April). Target these reef species with chum and live shrimp, pinfish, pilchards or ballyhoo. Best depths to find them are 30 to 60 feet. Move out over deeper structure if you’re looking for larger grouper and snapper.
Offshore, the blackfin tuna bite should be good early in the day and sporadic schools of dolphin are always a possibility. Sailfish however, are the best target, as they feed near the surface.
If you are interested in pursuing any of these species with me, please shoot me an email with the dates you are interested in and any questions you may have. Or visit www.captchris.com for more information.
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Capt. Chris Morrison has served anglers in the Keys for nearly 15 years and can accommodate all of your Keys light tackle fishing needs. With two boats to cover all light tackle applications, he can get you to all the productive waters including the Everglades National Park and the famous Keys Backcountry. Gulf-side wrecks and reef fishing are also his territory. He is an expert who has received an IGFA lifetime achievement award for guiding anglers to more than 100 IGFA world records on gear from 130-pound class to 2-pound class. Some fishing is seasonal, however, a huge variety of rod bending species are caught year around. Private charters, half-day or full-day charters of up to four anglers, and multiple boat trips can be arranged at your request. Kids and families are welcome! Contact Info: Capt. Chris Morrison(p) 305 393-2353(e) captchris@paradisetime.com(w) captchris.com