Key West Flats Fishing - December 2005
 

As the new year fast approaches, and 2005 winds on down to a close, I guess it is time to reflect on what has happened over the past year. After all my clients have given me plenty of moments to remember, and mostly for the good. Sure there were a few moments that I would rather forget, such as the occasional fly hook getting lodged in my forehead on a back cast from a very excited client while casting at a school of rolling Tarpon. Or the fella that kept lifting the fish into the boat and hooking myself, his wife, and various parts of the boat with treble hooks on a cuda plug. On the other side of the coin some of the most memorable days out on the water this past year were the amount of permit. At times they were unbelievable and for a good number of days we really had them dialed in. On more than one occasion it seems that we were not even a boat length away from very large schools. They were big and hungry fish, and more than willing to cooperate for us. Tarpon season was very good again and as usual the night bite proved to be very exciting. I had the opportunity to win over a few new clients. After seeing this night time display they were hooked, and have already booked to come back and fish this season. What you can expect for the winter months: As the season begins to cool a bit, the large barracuda, 36 inches and above, show in pretty good numbers on the flats. They are known for their long runs, getting airborne, and big teeth. Long streamer flies work well. I have been busy building some new lures for them with pretty good success, and we even caught a Redfish on one the other day. An added bonus this time of the year is the amount of big jacks and mackerel that show up. Once again flies work well, and since they are in large schools it is usually a no brainer to get these guys to eat anything that is presented to them. Cobia are great to hunt. Keep your eyes scanning the flats for large muds and ducks. This is a pretty good indication that something is on the feed. We want to wish you all Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year. We're looking forward to a great 2006 fishing year.

Capt. Larry Cohen