The first cold front to hit the Florida Keys has shuffled the deck and given the fishing a brand new hand.

In some areas, the water temperatures have dropped as much as ten degrees. This is most dramatic in the gulf and bay, where fish that had been lethargic are recharged and feeding aggressively. There is also a surge of fish fleeing the areas in search of the warmer Atlantic waters.

Sailfish are beginning to make an appearance

On the reef off Marathon, the sailfish have been seen spraying ballyhoo. Captains who choose to fish live bait are catching the sailfish by drifting in the 100- to 200-foot depths. This is just the beginning of sailfish season as this fishing intensifies with each passing cold front,

If the sails are not cooperating, try dropping on the deeper wrecks and artificial reefs. These areas are producing good size mutton snapper in the five- to ten-pound range. The most productive baits are pilchards, pinfish and ballyhoo.

Greater amberjack fishing is still open in Atlantic waters

Unexpectedly and without notice, the National Marine Fisheries Service has closed the greater amberjack fishery in Gulf of Mexico federal waters from October 24 through December 31. They claim an established annual recreational harvest quota has been met.

However, amberjack fishing is open and thriving in the Atlantic waters of the Florida Keys. So, if you’re visiting from the Gulf Coast and have a hankering for amberjack, call one of the local Florida Keys charter captains to get in on the action.

Amberjack provide excellent sport and are prime for the smoker. Click here for a delicious recipe for smoked fish dip.

You just never know what you may catch while fishing for amberjack on the wrecks of the Florida Keys. Anglers are often granted real prizes in the form of gag grouper, porgy, mutton snapper and more delicious table fare.

Yellowtails and more on the reef

Yellowtailing on the reef has been consistent with a good mix of sizes making their way to the boat. Most captains start their search for the ‘tails in 35 to 40 feet of water and work deeper until the schools pop up on their fish finders. Abundant chum and a variety of baits are key.

While on the reef, don’t neglect to put a bait near the bottom. Now that the water temperatures are cooling, the grouper are responding better to live bait offerings.

The patch reefs are absolutely alive with all manner of fish. All three major mackerel species are present and taking live ballyhoo with abandon. They are also snatching live pilchards that are swimming on the surface of the chum slick.

Large mangrove snapper are showing as well as a fair share of good size muttons in the five- to ten-pound class. There are also reports of red grouper on the patches along with some nice gags and blacks.

Snapper and hogfish in Florida Bay

The cooler Florida Bay waters have pushed the hogfish onto the patch reefs. They respond well to shrimp, either dead or alive. You may also encounter a few porgy, which are extremely tasty with delicate white meat similar to the hogs.

The bay and gulf have been the go-to spots for many Captains with the recent winds. The mangrove bite in Florida Bay is almost too easy with limit catches the norm. A suggestion is to self-impose a size limit larger than what the regulations specify. This gives you more fishing time, which is really why you’re out there in the first place! You may also pick up Spanish and cero mackerel in the bay waters.

Grouper now – cobia soon – on the gulf wrecks

The Gulf of Mexico wrecks and ledges are offering a very good mangrove bite but the real player has been the gag grouper. A fair number of keepers have been reported along with some keeper red grouper.

The cobia are showing with more regularity, although most are still undersize. This fishery will improve as the larger cobes escape the cooler northern waters. Don’t forget the great catch-and-release fishing for goliath grouper and shark that is there for the taking year ‘round.