September Is Slow Season for Key West. But not for fishing.
September 9th 2022 – Hot.. I should just stop here and leave it at that. With the heat dome here on top of Key West we have seen some hotter than usual conditions. Calmer winds from the SE and SW have moved things around a bit but still its hot. This week marks the peak of the 2022 Hurricane season and we have yet to get any rain to speak of. Its dry. The only affects we have been getting from the rain is the run off of the Mississippi River as it relieves itself of all the water drained to it from the floods of the midwest a week or two ago. Leaving our water with a tinge of green to it. This to shall pass…
Key West Fishing Report
Offshore the Mahi bite stays strong on the long runs to the deeper / bluer waters. Mahi up to 15lbs with many many scattered schoolies in the midst. Some kingfish have been caught on the reef lately up to 25lbs. Wahoo of all sizes (mostly small) have been caught with the larger ones West of Key West. Full moon this weekend might be a great time to target the wahoo and blackfin tunas.
Inshore things have been right on track. The water clarity is epic. Coming up on the King tide the water is rushing really hard. Permit have been found in the places that is normally shallow even at high tide. bonefish can be found on the last of the falling tides or the first of the incoming on most good bone fishing flats. We have been doing very well on our backcountry fishing trips here at Dream Catcher Charters with monster jacks, sharks and barracudas on top water. There are also tarpon around as well ready to eat before 7:30. and our flats fishing charters.
The reef is usually a great place to make it happen for the filet table this time of the year.. So far September has shown up with a bit murky waters with the yellowtail snapper bite still being strong. Reef fishing charters this time of the year can be very productive. Calm winds mean smaller seas and good fishing with wind against tide.
Fishing Forecast
There are sure plenty of storms in the Atlantic right now. If you watch the Weather Channel they will have you believe the world will be sinking shortly – especially the Florida Keys. I promise you we will be right here when you decide to come here in September for some of our amazing low stress, low crowds and fun fishing. The extended forecast on the GFS model has a wide area of tropical moisture trying to get going around the 25th of this month. All things (especially the weather) are subject to change. We are praying for some consistent rain. My yard looks like hell.
After the moon I expect things to go still again. This will be countered with back to normal rain events. The flats fishing and inshore backcountry fishing will go ballistic. This is typical this time of the year. Skinny water enthusiasts will rejoice. For the Reef fishing we like the water a little banged up and that will stay consistent making the reef bite prevail. On the deep sea fishing front the water will start to clear up as the Gulf Stream (hopefully) pushes closer in the next week or so clearing out the river water and bring things back to normal. This will also aid in bringing some larger palegics unseasonably close to Key West. Typically in September we have to run a good ways to get into the Mahi.
Fishing Charters in September / October
A Key West fishing charter it pretty easy to get right now. Slow season is upon us. Rolling the dice on last minute trips is do-able but do keep in mind the more popular guides will be on vacation or shutting boats down for much needed maintenance. Call us and we will set you up on a Key West fishing charter you are looking for.
Text Us 786-847-3808
Call Us 305-292-7212
Email steven@fishingkeywest.com