The weather made fishing a little tough this week. I spent most days in the backcountry and one very rough day on the reef. The water inshore is running 66-69 degrees and around 72 outside the reef. Current is moving lightly to the east and the blue water is close to the reef.

Offshore was very tough this week with the NE and East wind blowing 20+. We actually had a little south of east which made the seas even larger on Saturday.  Sailfish are around and pushing bait right up on the reef. Dolphin are around and have remained steady all winter. With the rough water trolling has been the most comfortable. Tuna, Kingfish and a few Wahoo are also in the mix.

On the reef the conditions are tough but the fishing good. Bottom fishing has been great for Snapper…Yellowtail, Mutton, Mangrove were all feeding on the bottom and a few Grouper as well. I had better luck with dead baits and pinfish were all but useless. Porgies, Yellowjacks, Amberjacks, Kingfish, Cero’s and Sharks round out the species.

With the wind coming from the North I have not ventured into the Gulf but should be ut there once or twice this week as the wind has lightened and moved a little South. Rockpiles and wrecks should be holding Cobias and Kingfish along with plenty of Snapper on the bottom.

Inshore the patch reefs have been a good choice to avoid the big seas. Keep the chum flowing and you will attract Grouper, Yellowtail, Mangrove, Mutton, Mackerel, Sharks and maybe something more unusual like a big Green Moray.

Courtesy of Captain Chris Lembo from The Weekly Fisherman