Key West Winter = Sailfish!

Yes, the entire U.S. is being pounded by some unbearably cold weather right now. Even the water temperature off of Key West has dropped into the lower seventies–and that’s a good thing because sailfish and other pelagics have moved into their active winter patterns.

We’re hearing reports from all around Key West that the sails are feeding like crazy around the reef edge, particularly in depth ranges of about 125 feet to 180 feet. It doesn’t much matter what live bait you’re pitching, sails have been hitting just about anything you can throw to them: goggle eyes, pilchards, cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and pin fish.

And the sails are not alone. There are great catches of blackfin tuna, kings, and even some wahoo and dolphin being reported.

With forecasts calling for 1-3 foot seas for the next week, if you can handle the bump, the weather looks to be ideal for sensational sailfishing.