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Hey there, anglers! Captain Ryan Carter here with your latest Key West inshore fishing report. The winter fishing season is hitting its peak, and I’ve got some exciting updates to share from the crystalline waters around our paradise island.

Yellow Jacks: The Winter Warriors

The spotlight this week is definitely on the yellow jacks, and let me tell you, they’re putting on quite a show! These powerful fighters are currently dominating our inshore waters, which is exactly what we expect during our prime season from November through March. If you’ve never targeted yellow jacks before, you’re in for a treat – these fish are absolute powerhouses that will test both your gear and your stamina.

Where to Find Them: We’re seeing large schools around the reef systems and various inshore structures. These fish are highly social, often traveling in schools of 50 or more, which means when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Their aggressive feeding behavior makes them particularly exciting to target, especially during the morning hours when they’re most active.

Fishing Tactics and Tips:

• Live bait presentation is key
• Focus on structure edges where schools typically patrol
• Use medium-heavy tackle to handle their explosive runs
• Watch for surface activity, especially during early morning hours

Table Quality: One of the best aspects of yellow jacks is their excellent table fare. Their firm, white meat is delicious when properly prepared, making them a prime target for anglers looking to bring home dinner.

Other Notable Catches

Cobia are making their presence known this week around the shallow wrecks. These curious fish are a welcome sight for any angler, known for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. We’re finding them mixed in with quality snappers and the ever-present barracudas, creating diverse fishing opportunities on any given trip.

Hot Bait Tip: I’ve found that a live pinfish rigged on a jig head has been absolutely deadly for all these species. The key is to let it work naturally around the structure – these fish can’t resist a well-presented pinfish.

Current Conditions: Water clarity has been excellent, and the winter patterns are holding steady. Morning incoming tides have been particularly productive, especially around the deeper edges of the flats where these species tend to congregate.

Looking Ahead: As we continue through the winter season, expect the yellow jack action to remain strong. Keep an eye on weather patterns – the days following cold fronts have been particularly productive as fish group up tighter around structure.

Tight lines,

Captain Ryan Carter

Key West, Florida