January fishing in Islamorada - more reds, snooks, and monster black drum!

[syxx]

Capt. Rick Stanczyk fished John again for his last day here on 1/20/12. Did another full day back in the 'glades for some more january islamorada fishing. The first day John fished on the 17th, we caught 10 nice snook, including a 15 lber on the 1st cast with no bait on a troll-rite! Finished the day with some more black drum, reds, and sea trout for dinner. Day 2 we focused on mackerels, snappers, and sharks on the edge of the gulf. The water temperatures had warmed up considerably for day 3, however there was another mass of cold air all the way up from north florida that made it a chilly ride back there. The fish didn't seem to mind though, we fished some deep canals and run-offs. Lots of black drum with a few ladyfish and jacks mixed in at first. Shrimps on jigs were working as they usually do on our florida keys fishing charters, but the best bet was a shrimp on the bottom with a 1 oz lead and circle hook. As the tied slowed the fishing got a little better, and before we left we had slow heavy bite on the bottom rod. John picked it up and wound tight as the rod bent over and drag started slowly peeling off. Didn't know if we were gonna stop the fish, finally turned him and he started thumping very hard. Came up to the surface half a dozen times, creating some major turbulance as he went back down. Finally boated him after 10 minutes, big old black drum, close to 30 lbs! After that we headed further back up the cape to check out some new scenery, fished a few other creeks and caught some more reds, sheepshead, and a few big trout with the high incoming tide. Also one nice red drum out of a drain! Once tied died we ran back home, wind had kicked around out of the east and was pretty snotty, but not too bad of a wind direction for back there. Beautiful day here for this islamorada fishing guide!

Capt. Rick Stanczyk

[Chesapeake 2050]

Nice! I am starting to miss living in Florida more and more....

[Perchguy]

Great report! I am heading to the Keys in April and am getting stoked for it. Only 67 days to go. Not that I am counting or anything........

[Chesapeake TJAM]

Nice report, boy I miss the keys...