April is a terrific month for fishing in Key West – the weather is getting warmer, the dolphin are coming back in droves and the kickoff for the Key West Fishing Tournament makes this a great time for avid deep sea anglers of all ages.
Traditionally, April means we see the large schools of dolphin with the bigger bulls and cows returning outside the reef off Key West. We catch dolphin year round – but during the winter, we’re more likely to hook the smaller ‘schoolies.” Starting in April, we expect to see the schools with larger fish as they make their way north along the Gulfstream. The water temperature off Key West today is 75 degrees — just a degree shy of the 76-83 degrees that dolphin like.
April also marks the start of the Key West Fishing Tournament; a tournament that targets 37 species – from marlin to dolphin to tarpon – if you like to catch it, it’s probably on the list.
The tournament runs from April 4th to November 30th (including the kickoff tournament) … and has divisions for kids, too … Juniors and PeeWees (under 10) … this is a great way to get your kids more involved in fishing – and you know we love to teach kids to fish.
The 8 month long tourney starts with a Kickoff Tournament April 5 and 6 with $5,000 in cash and prizes. More info: http://www.keywestfishingtournament.com/.
Speaking of tournaments, the Key West Sailfish Championship is the third week in April – 23-27. There are divisions for pros and non-pros. First prize awards up to $50,000 in the pro division, $15,000 for non-pros.
More on the sailfish tourney : http://www.keywestsailfishchampionship.com/ or call me to charter the Southbound.
Tournament calendar for Key West.
A contender for the sailfish tourney?