Captain’s Log: Prime Bites Before the Cold Front
Hey anglers, Captain Craig here with a fresh fishing report from Key West.
Yesterday morning, January 26th, we headed out on a fast-paced three-hour charter at 6:00 AM, and conditions couldn’t have been better. Calm seas, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures made for an ideal window of action before the approaching cold front—and the fish were definitely on the chew.
We ran just past the reef to a productive small wreck and dropped lines right before sunrise. Fishing 40-pound fluorocarbon leaders to start, we were into fish almost immediately. Live pilchards were the ticket, producing steady bites and plenty of action. We caught and released several red snapper and hooked up with sailfish that put on some great aerial shows.
As the sun climbed and the bite slowed slightly, I downsized to 25-pound fluorocarbon for a little extra finesse, which helped keep the rods bent. The highlight of the trip was filling the cooler with some true trophy mutton snapper—big, healthy fish and excellent table fare.
This trip was a great reminder that even a short charter can produce outstanding results when the timing and conditions line up.
With cooler weather settling in this week, I expect the nearshore patch reefs in 12–20 feet of water to fish very well. Fish should continue pushing in closer, setting up perfectly for shorter trips without long runs offshore. Over the next few days, look for strong action on mutton snapper, lane snapper, cobia, and mackerel in these protected areas.
Afternoon trips, especially between 3:00 and 6:00 PM, should be excellent as we fish the leeward sides of the islands and stay out of the wind. These are relaxed, productive outings with plenty of chances to take home quality fish.
Availability is limited, so if you’re looking to get on the water, reach out to Goliath Charters and let’s get you dialed in.
Tight lines,
Captain Craig
Goliath Charters – Key West
