Solid winter fishing continues in Key West with a mix of Sailfish, most caught off the kite, Blackfin Tuna, King Mackerel and Mutton Snapper. Some very large Kings are in the area-on a trip to the west our Kings averaged 35lbs, and a 67lber was caught during last weekends tournament. Yesterday we caught a triple header of Sailfish-from an anchored boat and also 2 African Pompano.
Fishing remains excellent here in Key West. A mix of Tuna, King Mackerel, Cero, Mutton Snapper, Cobia and Sailfish have kept us busy with plenty of rod bending action over the last week.
It’s late morning offshore of Contoy Island. The radio chatter is desultory, not much happening anywhere. With a high sun and a down sea troll it’s a perfect condition for sighting only there’s nothing to see, .idle thoughts but watchful eyes. The drone of the engines.. Wait! “There he is, lazy fish on the left rigger,” curious enough to follow but little else. We are pulling a spread of hookless ballyhoo teasers, hoping for a shot with the fly rod but this sailfish hardly acts like a “player”. Undaunted, the crew in the cockpit jumps to life. (more…)
Key West Captain experiences banner Black Marlin fishing on the Great Barrier Reef
This fall I was fortunate enough to fulfill a life long dream and fish the Great Barrier Reef of Australia during the Giant Black Marlin run.
Prior to booking the trip I did what homework I could, both on the web and by talking with various individuals who had experience in the area. Capt. Peter Wright of DUYFKIN fame was particularly gracious with his time, indulging me in several long phone conversations covering dos and don’t as well as providing candid profiles of the various Captains I might fish with.
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Thank you so much for such a wonderful fishing trip on March 23rd. Key West was the first stop on our 6-day cruise, and the morning spent on SOUTHPAW was the highlight of the trip for all 3 of us. Thanks to you and your mate for your advice and help in making this the best fishing trip ever.
Greg Balkenbush – first time client
Dear Capt. Brad, My family and I would like to thank you for the trip we took on the afternoon of Dec 26th. We appreciate your desire and skill at trying to keep us safe and satisfied under some difficult conditions. My parents and I were happy to have caught the fish we were able to and we all enjoyed eating the fillets that evening. Thank you and your mate for a great and exciting afternoon. Whenever we are back in the area, we will return to the Southpaw for our fishing charters.
Brian Hughes – first time client
This is a little delayed but I would like to thank you again for the memorable trip we had on Nov 15th. Accommodating us with trolling and shallow water was great in itself let alone taking the extra time to try for the Cobias. My mother-in-law and the rest of the group are still talking about it. Hooking my first billfish was awesome and a double header with my wife made it that more special. Like I told you before, when ever I get the chance to fish out of Key West, you will be my first call and I’ll recommend you to anyone I know of going down there.
Steven Dean – first time client
A group of buddies and myself recently took a charter with you on the date of friday Aug 8, 2008. I would like to say and I’m speaking for everyone that went on the trip it was a blast! We’ve also recommended you to quite a few of our friends. Thanks again and we hope to take a trip with you in the near future.
Paul Ware – charter guest
We really enjoyed our recent fishing trip with you, you do a great job of making all of the group comfortable, and fully involved. My sons and son-in-law and I had a great time. In searching my 83 year old memory I find that I have been fishing with you since you were an impetuous youth. I think the first time was with Frank Mather in Florida, or maybe even earlier on Cape Cod. We then fished again in Florida on a 3 day trip west of Key West – a wonderful trip. There were many other trips, but a couple stand out. A trip in Isla Mujeres Mexico where we took and released 33 Sails in a day on light tackle. A trip to La Guira Venezuela where you showed my friend Hector how to catch bait on Sabicki’s and we took 10 White Marlin in one day on spinning tackle. Your new boat is great, very comfortable and very conducive to great fishing–I’m looking forward to fishing with you many more times. Tight lines and screaming reels.
Jim Toabe – 30 year client
I have fished the West Coast of Florida for 50+ years. We owned a charter boat running out of St. Pete. We were one of the first to fish the ‘Loop’. I have fished Key West charters before. Capt. Brad and the Southpaw are the Best in Key West! Unqualified recommendation for hard work, skill, professionalism and OH! that 43′ Torres!
Patrick T. Maguire, Esq. – first time client
