Capt. Barry Hoffman's fishing report
                      for the Upper Keys and Florida Bay flats and backcountry.
                                   April 30th, 2003
    As I sit at my desk writing this report, a pesky stationary front is providing rainy and windy conditions over the Fl Keys. After a few very warm days, the water temperatures are climbing steadily. Tarpon, it seems, are just starting to make their way into the flats for the sight fishing angler. Yes they are catching them on bait, on specific tides and times, but it appears the best is yet to come. There have been a few pockets of fish in the backcountry that we've been able to throw at when the conditions allow it. 

Redfishing is still good, though the mullet have made the shallows a bit murky. Bonefish, a bit of wind, and lots of sunlight make my job much easier. On the few calm windless days I've had, the fish have stayed deep, especially mid afternoon when the water temps are warmest.

Permit have begun to show a bit better in the past few weeks. As the overnight temps on the flats increase so will the appearance of the permit. 

Notable catches for the past week or so: Jeff Bowen, 7 redfish and a nice bonefish about 9 pounds. Frank Duran, two bonefish 8 and 9 pounds. Keith and Debbie McCarson, several large sharks, jumped a large tarpon and threw at a number of nice redfish. Jim White and friend Don Edwards. Two of four bonefish hooked, 6 and 8 pounds. We did have several shots at tarpon and permit as well.

 

Florida Keys Flats Fishing
Capt. Barry Hoffman
www.flatsguide.com
home 305-852-6918