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Leon Shell Memorial Fishing Tournament
The sailfishing season in the middle keys has started to get hot, just in time for one of the best local tournaments in the area. The Leon Shell Memorial fishing tournament is considered a great opportunity for fans of sail fishing in the middle keys. Running from March 2nd until the 4th, the tournament has a grand prize of over $20,000 dollars, and secondary prizes for top performing boats and anglers. For mor information check out the official website here.
Today’s Weather at Tranquility Bay
It is 61°F right now at Tranquility Bay, but is expected to reach 70°F by midday. The unusually cold weather we have been having looks like it is about to depart, starting tomorrow we will be back into the mid 70′s. There is a 13mph wind from the northeast right now, although that is also supposed to die down later in the day. This week should be a steller time to go fishing, as the water warms up predator species increase activity, and after this cold snap they should be hungry. Sunset tonight is at 6:20, and the moon is 62% waning gibbous, so there will be plenty of light for night fishing.
Pigeon Key Arts Festival
Coming up in two weeks is the Pigeon Key Arts Festival, the “Big art show for a tiny Island” will feature pottery, sculpture, paintings, glass work, jewelry, live music, children’s events, and local food. Check out the poster below or click here for more info.
Winter Fishing Report
Winter Fishing in the Florida Keys is some of the best anywhere in the world. Sailfish patrol both deep water and close to the reef, Mahi Mahi are abundant around any floating wreckage or weed lines, and the reefs are full migratory and local species. Blackfin and the ocasional yellowfin Tuna have been caught offshore where the shark fishing is also fantastic, and big game charters are having almost 100% success in finding marlin, swordfish and sailfish. Cobia have also been abundant, both at the reefs and following around rays, regular catches of 40+ pounders happen weekly. In the flats barracuda are hitting flies consistently, a fishery many swear is among the most exciting. For anyone adverse to wind and light jacket weather this may not be the season for you, but for anyone brave enough (68 degree average temp in january) we highly recommend this time of year for fishing.
Dolphin cam at the Dolphin Research Center
Check out this live stream from the Dolphin Research Center, one of the best places in the Florida Keys to see aquatic mammals and important conservation work in practice. Click here to check out the cam.
December Flats Fishing
December is one of the most interesting times of year to fish the Florida Keys, as the water cools down species move to their winter habitats and colder water fish begin to apear in the area. In the flats this season is defined by barracuda, which is one of the most explosive fights available, particularly on the fly. Anyone who likes northern pike or muskies is sure to love the vicious takes and wild jumps of a “Cuda”. There are still good numbers of young and mature tarpon around, although they are generally found near bridges and in channels this time of year, instead of out on the flats. Permit are still being caught in good numbers also, but not like in the summer. This is a great time of year for anglers from the north who might find the 70 degree weather more hospitable than other times of year, particularly when there is no breeze.
Tranquility Bay Vegitation
One of the amazing things about living in paradise is that almost anything grows great here. Our property is maintained with a passion for growing things and letting them become beautiful large tropical plants. Be it bougainvillea, palm trees, or endemic sand grasses, we try to grow it to its utmost.
Turtle Hospital Video
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is one of the best family attractions near our hotel (about a 2 minute walk away). Marathon’s Turtle Hospital is the only licensed veterinary clinic in the world dedicated exclusively to treating sick and injured sea turtles. Check out the great video below or stop by when you are here!
Florida Keys Fishing Links
Fall fishing in the Middle Keys is as diverse and exciting as most times of year, although the erratic weather makes it difficult to pinpoint what kinds of fishing will be hot. Reports of good sized dolphin and black fin tuna have been coming in periodically, although the best catches have been at the reefs. Yellowtail and mutton snapper have been coming in frequently, particularly on night trips. A good guide to all of the florida angling species can be found on FishingFloridaKeys.com, it list all of the major species and where they can be found.
Today’s Weather at Tranquility Bay
It’s 91°F and sunny right now at Tranquility Bay. A gusty breeze is coming in from the south at 7 mph and there are some clouds on the horizon. There is rain and some small thunder storms predicted for later this week, but these storms are bringing some cooler weather later this week as well. Sunset tonight will be at about 8:15, the high pressure of this oncoming storm system should make it particularly spectacular.