From Key West, the Gulf of Mexico offers many styles of fishing as well as a large number of different species to choose from. Though it may be fished the year around, the "Gulf" comes into its own during February and only gets better during March, April, and May. Large cobia and kingfish of world record caliber are some of the first to show during this time frame.

Live bait or top water lures are a favorite of light tackle enthusiasts for these gamesters. During March, large permit (40# plus) begin their annual migration to the gulf wrecks. I have had trips where we have caught and released over 20 Teasing a Barracuda with live bait. permit on fly tackle in a single day. This does not include the loss of nearly as many permit as we landed. Most of this type of Gulf Fishing is done on or around wrecks. As the blue water tuna fishing starts to fade, that is the signal to start looking for the tunas and little tunny behind the shrimp boats. We often run 50 or more miles Capt. Ralph Delph gaffing a large cobia for tournament angler, Jim Anson. one way in order to find the action that we are looking for. When the right shrimp boat is found, it will be nonstop action on large blackfin tuna and little tunny. Do not mistake " little tunny" for little fish. These are called bonito by the locals, and albies by the New Englanders. These "little" gamesters often grow to 18# or more. They will stretch your muscles until you can not lift your arms to make another cast. This is a highly visual type of Gulf Fishing, where you may see a hundred or more fish at a time. You are often left soaking wet from the spray caused by a vicious surface strike. On our way home it is common to stop by a wreck and catch some grouper and snapper for dinner. You will most certainly lose some of these to the giant jewfish that inhabit the wrecks, and often exceed 300#. Those that are seeking non stop action and light seas should mark the months of April and May for blackfin tuna and little tunny in the "Gulf".

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