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    sefly.comFlyfishing Reports > Upper Florida Keys 04.15.03
   

 

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Capt. Barry Hoffman's fishing report
                      for the Upper Keys and Florida Bay flats and
backcountry.
                                  April 15th, 2003
    Below normal temperatures have slowed the fishing for certain species.
The water temps are climbing, but slowly.  Sight fishing
for bonefish and tarpon have been sub par. High winds and cooler H2O temps
have kept them from entering their normal
backcountry haunts. We're getting more opportunities as the winds lie and
the water warms.  I expect the temperatures and fishing
for them to be back to normal within a week or so. Redfishing still is a
viable alternative for the sight fisherman. They are less
susceptible to the cooler water and we've seen plenty of them. On the
warming edges of backcountry flats, snook and seatrout can
be found. The guides drowning bait for tarpon have had some success, but are
surely waiting for the fish to get back en mass into
the local waters.  A quick synopsis of the catch reports:  Dale Baylet, one
redfish, Chris Dean, two redfish, Tom Vacoli, one
bonefish on spin and had a nice permit on, losing it to a coral head. Keith
Stephens, one big redfish on fly. Finally, congratulations
to Marjorie Smith and Vickie Goldstein, they won the first Bonefish Bonnies
fishing tournament at Ocean Reef in some very tough
conditions. The girls worked hard were a blast to fish with.

    One last note. I'm often asked if a particular species is not present
due to the minimal showing in the catch reports. Sightfishing
for our local species requires quite a bit more talent then fishing for
trout or bass in your part of the world. Fishing in the Keys for
our game fish is akin to going to the Masters in Augusta. Challenging,
demanding but the rewards are tremendous. You have to be
at the top of your game to do well. We typically get many more opportunities
than fish caught, best to be well practiced if fly
fishing or try a spinning rod if your success for the day is measured by
what you catch.  Practice your casting, you'll be a much
luckier fisherman!

                     For more information please contact Capt. Barry Hoffman
at:
                          www.flatsguide.com / guide@flatsguide.com
                                 home 305-852-6918

       
       
       
       
   

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