Fishin in the Keys

Fishing in the Keys is great - as usual.  This year has been a little on the warm side for early winter.  If you are coming from a cold part of the world - I'm sure you won't mind a bit!  Even though the waters have been warmer than normal for this time of year - the fish are still in their winter patterns. 

 

The spanish mackerel are "game on" just outside the park.  We caught a few nice tripletail and a small cobia along with 25-30 feisty spanish mac's on one of the less windy days last week.  The redfish have been good and some really nice size snook have moved in.  The reds are averaging 2-5 pounds and last week we boated some great size snook in the 8-12 pound range.  It's nice to see the snook population is getting better and better over the last couple years.  They are still "no take" and that is helping the fishery tremendously.  The trout bite is very good - but they are also "out of season" through December.  Nice size fish up to 22 inches and very good numbers.  Fun for "catch and release".  It you want some "eaters" the mangrove snapper are schooled up in big numbers and make for great table fair.  We landed a 25 inch gag grouper in one of my snapper holes on Friday (yum).  We are also getting some nice black drum and sheepshead.  For you shark fans - the warmer weather has kept some of these "toothy critters" lurking in our shallow waters.  We landed two nice lemon sharks in the 80-100 pound range earlier last week. 

 

I've got several trips over the next couple weeks and the fishing should be great. 

 

Happy Holidays everyone!  Hope to see you on the water soon.

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

The Redfish are Coming! - The Redfish are Coming!

No, not The Redcoats - "The Redfish"!  Ever since the cold blast we had back in January 2010 the redfishing has been excellent.  This last weekend it was as good as it gets.  My brother was in from Bozeman, Montana and we loaded up the 21 Redfisher and headed to the Flamingo area for some great redfish fishing.  We worked hard the first few hours hitting the deeper Island moats.  It was tough, we only landed one red and several ladyfish.  It was high tide and I figured these fish must be "up on the flats" so we headed for a luscious grass flat with good water flow and as we pulled up slowly with the trolling motor - the water "came alive" - tails, pushes, wakes from redfish everywhere!  Quick, get a cast in there!  Bam, Bam - two reds on and several following our hooked fish in toward the boat.  Then the water really came alive with well over 500 redfish scurrying across the flats.  They were working a section of the grass flat about 200 yards long and 50 yards wide.  They would move away when we hooked up and after a minute or two they would move back into our range and Bam, Bam hooked up with another double.  They were all 2 to 5 pounders and this went on for about an hour.  A big thunderstorm moved in on us and we left the reds - still biting.  We boated well over 70 fish.  It doesn't get any better than that! 

 

Last week we worked the flats up in the Bites (or what is better know as Bays in most areas).  The baby tarpon were out in force and we landed 3 for about 7 on jerk baits and swim baits.  These baby tarpon were making crazy jumps and headshaking that can toss the hook in a hurry.  They were averaging 2 to 8 pounds.  Lots of fun on light spinning rods.  We also got into a few nice snook and redfish.  Snook up to 8 pounds and reds up to 6 pounds.  The trout and snapper bite has been excellent as well.

 

The Fall is always a great time to fish.  The high tides pull lots of feeding fish up on the grass flats and when they see a free offering they readily except - usually in a very aggressive manner.  The change in the season is right around the corner and these fish will again change there feeding habits - but that's OK - I think I know where they will be. 

 

Come-on down to the Keys for some great fishing!

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Hot Hot Hot - Fishin Too

Temperatures are hot and so is the fishing.  We don't expect anything less this time of year.  The redfish bite has been red hot.  This past Wednesday we got into as many redfish as you wanted to catch.  Every cast was a nice red - and most of the fish were in the 20- 27 inch range - and it was literally EVERY CAST!   After catching 40-50 beautiful reds - Mike and Roland decided they would like to try something else???  Roland wants to get a shark - so, we left the reds, still biting, and hit one of my red hot shark spots.  Roland (from Germany) doesn't get too many sharks where he is from - and getting a huge man-eater shark on film was a big thrill for him - and the film will make a big hit with his buds back in Germany!  He battled and caught a nice 100 pound lemon shark and another 150 pound plus bull shark before we headed back home.

 

Ken and Patty (from Illinois) were in today and also wanted the catch the toothy critter (shark).  We hit a big muddy water spot and pulled in some nice tasty shark bait (ladyfish).  Then off to the shark spot.  In our 1/2 day trip they boated 7 teeth gnashing terrors of the sea!  They had a an excellent trip and got some great photos.

 

The trout are gorging themselves as well.  They are getting ready to make a mid summer spawn and some of these trout are big fat gators at 22 inch plus fish.  Lots and lots of action with most in the 12-19 inch range.  Hot, hot action - great fun for the family and excellent table fair. 

 

The snook are still hit and/or miss - but on the days we are finding them - we are getting some really nice size fish.  We landed a beautiful 14 pounder last week, lost one that was easily 16 pound plus and many feisty size fish in the 5-12 pound range.  Great fun, always a few drag screaming runs and jumps - and we are finding them in some of the same areas the redfish are frequenting.  So, hot action on the reds with some nice snook in the mix.

 

This is a great time to fish the backcountry.  The tides are high - allowing us to get up on some of the flats that are inaccessible in the winter and spring.  The water is warm influencing these fish to be more aggressive.  They will chase an artificial bait this time of year and eat it "in a heartbeat" - and that's always a huge thrill.  Weedless swim baits work great and I love seeing a big red, snook or tarpon "Blast" a fast moving artificial lure!  The tides and wind are key - and morning or late afternoon/evening are best.  Give me a shout if want to experience some great hot, hot, hot fishing.

 

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Hot Fun in the Summertime

The fishing in and around the backcountry continues to be great.  The trout bite is fantastic with several 30-50 fish half days.  The redfish are chomping up the shrimp and gulp shrimp.  Catching some nice ones on the gold/silver spoons and several different swim baits.  Getting some nice snook in the mix as well.  We caught a beautiful 12 pounder last week.  For you shark fans - the sharks are as abundant as they can be.  Plenty of Bulls, Lemons and a few Black Tips.  The Tarpon were killer this year - but the warm weather has caused the big migratory fish to vacate the area a little early this season.  We are still getting the local Tarpon around some of the bridges and in the backcountry. 

 

This time of year the water is a little higher and allows us to get up on some of the flats that are not so easily accessible in the winter and spring.  For those who like casting swim baits, spoons and even some top water plugs - this is the time to do it.  Summer and fall offer the best opportunity to fish these artificials and the warm weather has the fish very aggressive. 

 

The live bait fishing is always good for everything and still the best bet for snapper and tarpon. 

 

The Summer and Fall are excellent times to fish - but it gets a little warm out there.  So, a 4 hour or 6 hour trip is the best - either morning, late afternoon or evening trips are the way to go.   Give me a shout and lets go fishing!  

 

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Fish Catchin in the Keys

It's springtime in the Keys and the fish are right on schedule.  The business is great this year.  I have been out fishing almost every day since mid February.  Lots of happy customers and lots of "not so happy" fish. Although, these fish should be happy - they are getting a free meal, a free workout and some fish even get their picture taken!  The "not so lucky ones" get to come back for dinner. 

 

The trout bite continues to be spectacular - with many days producing well over 100 trout per day.  Jim and Al were in from Michigan for two days of fishing.  They come every year with a group of 10 and we fish a small tournament with 5 boats.  Each day rewards most fish per boat and biggest fish per boat.  We won "most fish" both days with 250 fish caught and released on day one and well over 100 fish on day 2!  The trout, snapper, ladyfish and jacks were very abundant.  We released a 13 pound black grouper on day 1 and had a nice 30 pound tarpon day 2 - but one of the other boats had a big barracuda on day 1 and another boat had a 100 pound tarpon on day 2.   Loads of fun - everyone had a great time.

 

The evening tarpon bite is still great and should only get better through June.  The bite was a little slow last week.  A few trips we only hooked up on 1 to 3 fish a night.  That's a pretty slow bite for evening tarpon fishing - but most trips have been producing at least 3 to 5 hookups on the Silver King.  A few weeks prior we were hooking 7 and 8 fish a night.  These fish have been in the 90-130 pound range and hooking up on more than 5 of these monsters in a night can be a real workout!  Nick from Chicago landed his first 100 pounder last Tuesday evening - I've known Nick for many years and I don't think I've ever seen him happier.  Almost every evening has produced at least one catch and on the best days we have landed 4 mammoth tarpon - on a 4 hour trip that's a lot of action.  Lots of sweat, sore arms and big smiles!!

 

The bonefishing was good last week.  We landed a beautiful 10 pounder on a 4 hour morning trip and had shots at 2 other small schools.  The bonefish fishing is very technical and requires patience and a very well placed cast.  The fish here are big - averaging 8-11 pounds - and they didn't get to be that big being stupid.  The bones are very spooky and if you can make a great cast and place it softly ahead of the grey ghost - you will experience a screaming drag run like you have never imagined. 

 

The weathers been beautiful and typically May has light winds.  Just enough wind to keep you comfortable on the water.  World class fishing here in the Keys for those who want to chase the fish of a lifetime and exceptionally great numbers of fish for those who just want to bend the rod.  Frank Conner - a regular client and good friend - brought the kids down from New York a few weeks ago and young Jake and Ashley showed there friends how it's done with some great trout, jack and ladyfish action.  Bring the kids down for the rod bending action - they will be hooked on fishing for life.

 

Hope to fish with you soon - please call ahead for reservations - I have many bookings through June.

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Therrrre Heeeere!

It Tarpon Time and there are here!!!

 

The last three evenings have produced 7 tarpon catches.  Thursday and Friday evening we fished in some of my "downtown" area spots.  These fish were averaging 25-80 pounds.  Saturday evening we fished the Monster run and landed 2 - 100 pounders.  When these tarpon start showing up in the Monster alley run - that is the sign that our migratory fish have arrived - and they will be here through June and into mid July.  So, if you ever wanted to catch "the fish of a lifetime" - a 100 pound plus tarpon - now through mid July is the time to do it!  These fish will average 100-150 pounds with a chance to hook-up with a 180-200 pound monster!  The tarpon are here to spawn - so this is the heaviest they will be all year.   

 

Phil and Greg fished with me the last 3 days/evenings and they each caught a backcountry slam on Saturday (tarpon, redfish and trout).  The trout bite has been outrageous with some of my spots producing a trout on almost every cast - for as long as you want to catch 'em!  We got into some redfish yesterday - they guys landed 5 or 6 reds.  The evening produced 2 beautiful 100 pound tarpon. 

 

I took the Berge family out last week and 7 year old Connor had the day of his life.  He caught all the trout he could handle and was just as excited catching the first one as he was to catch the 40th one. 

 

It's tarpon time - but it's also a great time to get into some nice reds, snook, trout, snapper and a host of others- and if you are a diehard hardcore fisherman it's also a great time to catch a big bonefish or permit.  Expect to spend the whole day going after the grey ghost (bonefish) or ever elusive permit.  One or two in a day is a very good day.  If you like lots of action - trout and snapper are very abundant.  The redfish can be hot action too.  One of the reasons this is such an amazing place to fish - is the great variety we have.  There is always something to target and always something biting.  Come on down and catch that fish of a lifetime - the tarpon are here!

 

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Springtime Fishing in the Keys

Sorry I haven't posted a report in a while.  March was extremely busy and the fishing was - and still is - fantastic!

 

The tarpon started showing up a little earlier this year.  The water temperature warmed up nicely as the winds were down - for what we normally expect in March.   The tarpon bite has been good.  We have been averaging 3 to 5 hook-ups on an evening tarpon trip.  Most of the fish have been in the 60-80 pound range with some 25-35 pounders caught in some of the "downtown" areas.  It's very rare that we don't catch at least one tarpon on an evening trip and I pride myself on consistently producing tarpon on every evening tarpon trip.  The big dogs are showing up and it looks like we are going to have another banner tarpon year.  Be ready for a workout if you plan on tarpon fishing - it's not for the timid, meek or young children.  It truly is a battle intended for the well prepared.

 

The trout bite has been amazing!  We call it a "hole in one" when the cork goes down as soon as it hits the water - and we've had many hole in ones lately.  You can catch a trout on almost every cast for as long as you want to - in some of my good spots right now - and there are some really nice fat female "gator trout" in the mix.

 

The reds have been really good too.  But some of the days we've had to work for them.  When they are biting - we've put together some 20-30 fish days - with a few snook in the mix as well.  The snook bite is hit or miss - but it has been getting better with the warmer spring weather.

 

For all you shark fans - the shark are showing up strong with this warm weather and Andy and Niki from Michigan had there fill with 3 nice blacktips and two big 100 pound plus bull sharks on a half day trip last week. 

 

Last year was the best tarpon fishing I've seen and I expect this year to be just as good.  The best time for tarpon is mid April through mid July.  So, if you are planning a trip to the Keys and want to do some great fishing - give me a call.  This season is booking up fast - but I still have some openings. 

 

Have a great day - and thanks for reading! 

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Fish Bites

It may be wintertime in most of North America - but it's basically springtime here in South Florida.  Mid to upper 70's during the day and 60's at night - beautiful weather - and the fish are bite-in!! 

 

Andy from Michigan found out the hard way why we call 'em snapper down here.  He got his finger a little too close to the mouth of a mangrove snapper and "Ouuuch" this fish Bites!!  Yep, Andy - that's why they call 'em snapper. 

 

In the last few weeks we've been catching lot's of redfish, trout and snapper.  Some really nice spanish mackerel out west of Everglades National Park with some trout, snapper, pompano and a few triple tail in the mix.  The snook fishing has been pretty good the last few trips.  Andy from Michigan felt the furry of the savvy snook.  He landed 3 or 4 snook up to 5 pounds and lost a couple in the mangroves.  They love to scream off the drag and get you into those bushes!  

 

The tarpon season is right around the corner and I've seen a few of the big monsters swimming around lately.  They are already starting to show up and I've got the heavy gear all lubed up and ready.  The peak time for tarpon is generally mid April through Mid July - but I start catching some nice size fish (30-70 pounders) in the early part of March.

 

So, if your tired of looking at the snow and ice - or you just want to do some fishing.  Come on down to South Florida.  The weather is beautiful and the fish are biting!

 

Subscribe to my blog here http://tarponheadquarters.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Reds are Still Rollin

Is it normal to catch a redfish on almost every cast?  The redfish continue to be one of the main target species this winter.  Some of my spots are filled with them.  Literally hundreds of them and they are hungry!  They are eating shrimp, gulp shrimp and yes, they are even eating the fly.  Drop a small weighted clouser in the hole and wham - redfish. 

 

The last few days have produced lots and lots of redfish, some good size sheepshead up to 5 pounds and some nice trout.  The spanish mackerel bite has been very good out west with some snapper, jacks, ladyfish and trout in the mix. 

 

The redfish are the really big story this year.  Last winter was super cold.  We had a fish kill worse than anyone had seen in a lifetime.  The snook, baby tarpon, bonefish, jacks, snapper, grouper and even some sharks where severely affected.  Almost all of these species that got caught in the shallow backcountry waters died.  Yes, the shorelines were filled with thousands of dead fish.  From Tampa to the Florida Keys, February 2010 will forever be remembered as one of the biggest fish kills in Florida history.  But - with every bad comes something good.  The redfish can handle the severe temperature drop.  They had a normal spawn in 2010 and because there were far less predatory fish (snook, baby tarpon, jacks) to eat the fry and fingerling reds - the population exploded.  This last summer of 2010 these newly spawned reds were averaging 12-14 inches.  Now they are averaging 15-18 inches.  We are still catching some larger reds in the mix - but the big numbers we're catching are from the great spawn last year.  By spring 2011, I expect these fish to be 18-22 inches on average and another great spawn to produce even more great redfishing. 

 

The trout also can handle the temperature drop and are still around in great numbers.  The majority of our snapper migrated out to the deep water wrecks and reefs.  They have returned to the backcountry in good numbers as well.  The migratory tarpon were unaffected - as they were in the warmer waters of the Caribbean during the cold snap.  In fact, last tarpon season (April- July 2010) was one of the best I have ever seen.   We caught tarpon almost every evening with several 3 and 4 fish catches.  To catch 3 or 4 -100 pound plus tarpon in a 4 hour evening trip is a great feet.  You are pretty much catching a fish from the moment you put a line in until we head back to the dock.  I look for this years tarpon season to be as good or better.

 

Another good thing to come from last years fish kill is - there are more crabs, shrimp, pinfish and all other kinds of baitfish.  So, with more bait in the area, the fish have more to eat and will grow faster and stay in feeding areas longer.  Bigger fish to come and easier to find.  I can't wait for this years upcoming fishing - it should be great!  Give me a call and - LETS GO FISHIN!

 

   

Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com