April 11 2022 – Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi are what we will talk about in the Key West fishing report. As the winds are pumping from the East today at about 20 knots and and slightly gusty today. The deep sea fishing report is pretty darn good for Key West as we slide into our spring time pattern with lots to go over.

Fishing Report

Last week was up and down in winds, temperature and fishing. Reminded me somewhat of a roller coaster. A late season cold front came through over the weekend that really did not affect us much offshore for the exception of some wind switches, dry air and cooler air temps.

Sailfish were the focus for the deep sea fishing boats last week as a good number of sailfish were working their way down the reef. Key West had a big sailfish tournament that brought down some big guns in the sport fishing boat world competing against each other for numbers of releases. Most were using live bait and kite fishing techniques. There were a good number of sailfish caught and released last week by everyone. This is a yearly migratory push of sails we get this time of the year. Its very hard to put a date on it year after year but generally a mid April to first of May thing.

Pro Tips

For those wishing to get in on that fishery next (or any) year. Make sure the deep sea fishing charter you are booking will set up for the sailfish. Many sport fishing boats and center consoles out of Key West will be set up to use live bait and kite fishing as the best way. Goggle eyes, Thread fins and live ballyhoo are the norm. Be sure to ask about if there are any bait surcharges. Most boats do not charge for it but some do.

Along with the sail fishing being great this past week deep sea fishing there were also some decent mahi caught as well. Trolling went well offshore out to about 750ft with some decent weed lines that were holding fish. Working in and and along the color changes in as shallow as 150ft payed off well too. Picking up nice mahi mahi mixed with blackfin tunas along the way. We found the mahi were eating natural (naked) rigged ballyhoo. When trolling out in the blue I feel this is and excellent way to promise a bite from a stray Mahi cruising looking for a meal. Different colored sea witches are a great way to bring some attention to a strip bait or ballyhoo.

Added bonuses last week were the blackfin tunas. On board the InXS this time of the year we will troll a Iland Tracker Black and Blue or Black and Purple rigged on 100lb test to a 6/0 trolling hook way back in the spread for the shot at a blackfin tuna or skip jack tuna. These guys are super fast and hard fighters, not to mention exceptionally good when pan seared! Don’t forget to bleed your tuna.. !!

Some of our favorite Lures We Troll for Tuna, Wahoo, Sails and Mahi.

    

 

Wahoo Action

Last mention was the wahoo during and after the new moon. On board the INXS we caught a couple of dinner sized wahoo. One that was a miracle fish. The wahoo ate a flat line bait we were puling. As the angler reeled him in we could see the fluorocarbon leader was dangerously close to the wahoos very sharp teeth. My Mate, Mike focused on the gaff shot and not so much the leader and smashed the wahoo for the win and in the boat. A real exciting moment for all of us putting our third flag for the day up. Down the reef line a good ways West of Key West there was a report of a wahoo over 70lbs caught as well. Not a typical time of the year for us to catch monsters but we will certainly take it.

Thats a wrap on this fishing report here for Key West deep sea fishing. The winds are going to keep pushing from the East at 20 knots through Thursday. A great time to get after some of those sailfish that are marching down the reef line. After the blow look for continued sail fishing and some great opportunities with mahi mahi during the day with tunas in the afternoon or late bite.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

To get out and do some deep sea fishing Give Us A Call we will go over all the options and the pricing of the many different boats we work with including deep sea fishing on board the INXS our in house 47ft Viking.
Call Our Office 1-305-292-7212
Text Us 1-786-847-3808
Email Me steven@fishingkeywest.com