The Atlantic has been showing its teeth this week, but for those who don’t mind a little salt spray and a “sporty” ride, the payoff has been nothing short of cinematic. High winds and building seas have transformed the reef edge into a high-speed highway for migrating billfish and turned the deep wrecks into a gold mine for bottom dwellers.
The highlight of the week has been the sailfish action in the 120- to 150-foot-range. The brisk north winds have triggered classic “tailing” conditions, where the sails rise to the surface to surf down the faces of the swells. Seeing those purple-edged tails cutting through the whitecaps is a sight you won’t forget. These fish are in hunting mode and feeding aggressively. Whether you’re dangling a Goggle Eye from a kite or drifting a threadfin herring or ballyhoo, the strikes have been explosive and the double-digit hookup days are back in play.
The mutton grind
When the wind howls, the mutton snappers on the deep-water wrecks seem to get even hungrier. We’ve been finding quality muttons holding just off the structure in 150 to 200 feet of water. The key has been using extra-long, 30- to 40-foot fluorocarbon leaders to fool these wary “puzzlers.” A fresh, butterflied ballyhoo or a frisky live pinfish pinned to the bottom has been the ticket. Make sure you’re using enough lead to keep that bait stationary in the sand; once they pick it up, let the rod load up before you start cranking — the reward is some of the best-tasting fillets in the Keys.
Gladiators of the ledge
For the heavy hitters willing to push 25 miles offshore, the swordfish are home on the ledge. In 1,200 to 1,800 feet of water, the deep-drop game has remained remarkably consistent despite the surface chop. It’s a game of patience and heavy lead, but the broadbills are active and provide some epic battles for crews looking to tangle with the ultimate gladiator of the deep.
The energy on the water right now is electric. If you’ve got the sea legs for the “big water” conditions, there hasn’t been a better time this year to be offshore in the Keys.
