Grouper Bite is On in the Keys

[drichitt]

Originally Posted by mark1234

Don, any luck with the Mutton Snapper? I think we were out in 60-80'

Mutton need to be 16" in order to keep. We are catching plenty near the bridges but the ratio of keepers to unders is about 1 in 15 (so many 14"-15" fish); caught 2 keepers (up to 18") this past Tuesday. We have tried dropping pin fish out on the reef in 35-70' but all you get are grouper (oh damn!). The water temps have dropped dramatically (15-20*) since we got here in late Dec, especially in the back country, around the bridges and the near shore patch reefs. The bite has become much tougher. I am so glad we had a chance to pick up some great local information before this slow period hit as we have been able to catch some nice fish each trip, even today (few 17-18" yellowtail).

Another thing about fishing in the Keys....you spend almost as much on chum and bait as you do on gas.