2/23/13 Florida Keys Shark fishing in the backcountry february

Another beautiful day here on 2/23/13 fishing in the florida keys in february.  Today I had Martin Williamson who fished with me a couple years ago and had a great time.  He was back from across the pond for another special birthday fishing trip.  I got to dust my big rods off as I haven't used them much as of late.  We started out early catching some small stuff for bait, but got into a plethora of fish.  Lots of ladyfish, jacks, and trout.  Even a few spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano mixed in with them.  Trout fishing in Islamorada should pick up in the bays and muds as the water warms and we enter our spring time islamorada fishing period.  We put one shark rod out whilst catching bait and got lots of action on that, caught 4 small to medium size blacktips.  After we were loaded up on ladyfish we made our way back towards another spot.  Martin wanted to catch a goliath and it was a little too rough for the gulf wrecks so I tried closer in around some protected areas.  We had a pack of cobias swim up on us about 20 minutes after we got there, caught 1 and had another one eat a bait and spit it.  Another 20 minutes later and both big rods doubled over - double header!  Martin fought one while I through our anchor ball and gave chase, all the while our other rod/fish is going the opposite way behind us.  Eventually the fish behind us tired a bit and I had Martin switch to that... low and behold that was the goliath he was looking for a nice 150 lb fish!  A great islamorada golaith grouper!  We got pictures of him than moved back to the other fish which was absolutely massive.  Finally got him to stop and started leadering him up, I could tell what it was from the big dead weight and big slashing movements - mud marlin!  We got him near the surface with bill sticking out of the water, but unfortunately on the monofilament he cut us off before we could get a real good look/picture.  We gave it another 45 minutes there but no other action, and decided to try a spot for some redfish which worked out nice.  Caught about 10 mostly slot reds to end the day, perfect end to another great day of february fishing in Islamorada.

Capt. Rick Stanczyk
305-747-6903
rick@seethefloridakeys.net