January / February 2020 Florida Keys Fishing Outlook
Solid 52 lb. Kingfish with the McWilliams crew.
Most of the time during the winter months Captain Rich is fishing on the 36′ Yellowfin so his customers are more comfortable. The winter months have a tendency to be windier than other times of the year. The larger boat allows us to fish on almost any weather condition day.
From Captain Rich:
During this time of year I do a ton of Gulf Wreck fishing in 10-15 feet of water because it’s the easiest for me to put my customers on a wide variety of species and lots of rod bending. Common species we catch would be Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Trout, Bull Redfish, Grouper, Goliath Grouper, Permit, Jacks, Ladyfish, Bluefish, etc.
If a cold front comes through and the wind is out of the North I usually fish on the oceanside patch reefs where it will be calmer. Common species we catch would be Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Lane Snapper, Cero Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Grouper, Hogfish, etc.
Another option if its calm enough would be offshore wreck fishing in 150-250 feet of water. Target species would be Mutton Snapper, Amberjacks, Vermillion Snapper, Trigger fish, etc.