Last week was quite an event, with the Lower Florida Keys seeing the second lowest record temperatures in more then 150 years of meteorological record keeping in the Southernmost City. With the mercury dipping to 40 degrees, water temps hovered around the 50-degree mark, wreaking havoc on a variety of species. Fortunately, water temps have rebounded and so have the fish — with a vengeance.

Some of the best fishing right now is occurring in the backcountry, with pompano, Spanish mackerel, big ladyfish and some nice mangrove snapper filling the bill. We're also getting some seatrout, a few redfish, jack crevalle, blacktip sharks and have even seen a few tarpon starting to roll.

As the mercury rises, we're expecting to see some good permit fishing and even a few bonefish start knocking around. It's a great time to get out the fly rod, as you'll never know what you are going to catch.

Offshore, light tackle enthusiasts are enjoying great tuna fishing, along with king mackerel, sailfish and the occasional wahoo in the mix. It's possible to target most of them on light spinning tackle or fly rod.

WORLD RECORD WATCH: I mentioned we are finding some giant Spanish mackerel; some are scaling to upwards of 6 pounds, and there is a great opportunity for female anglers to catch potential world records on fly. For more information on this or to book a world-record chasing charter, email ted@overunderadventures.com or call 305-213-5369.

Fish Species: Various
Bait Used: Shrimp, flies
Tackle Used: Spin, fly rod
Method Used:
Water Depth: 2-25 feet
Water Temperature: 71
Wind Direction: SW-NNE
Wind Speed: Variable
Tasty winter pompano are filling up the backcountry.
Tasty winter pompano are filling up the backcountry.


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About The Author: Captain Ted Lund

Company: OverUnder Key West

Area Reporting: Key West and Lower Keys

Bio: Capt. Ted Lund has been fishing the waters off Key West for more than 25 years and has spent more than 20 years as a light-tackle fishing guide, writer, editor and photographer following, developing and refining the fishing in the waters off the island city. In addition to holding positions as Editor-in-Chief of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters and Editor of Salt Water Sportsman, Lund is the official International Game Fish Association representative in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys. As an angler and guide he and his clients have set more than 27 IGFA world records. He's also posted numerous places and victories in tournaments ranging from the World Sailfish Championship to the prestigious Redbone Southern Most Light Tackle Anglers Masters.

305-213-5369
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