As the weather starts to cool down from the heat of summertime the backcountry starts to come alive with life. This time of year we have major bait migration of Mullet, Ballyhoo, and Pilchards that inundate the backcountry basins and flats. Following these bait schools are a wide variety of gamefish such as : seatrout, jacks, pompano, snapper, ladyfish, sharks etc. We typically drift through these schools casting a variety of artificial lures and catch a real mixed bag. It’s a lot of fun and a very active fishery. Great option for half day trips that want to just catch fish. While drifting through these schools you can put a shark bait out and hook into one of the big boys following these groups if you really want a workout. With the drop in water temps the Barracudas have returned to the flats in high numbers. They can swim in bursts up to 60mph and it’s awesome to watch them chase down the lure and explode on it. A great fishery option for doing a lot of casting and also having the ability to sight cast to a larger or specific fish. The residential tarpon fishing has still been good but as we get into the cold front season they can be a little more hit-or miss if the weather gets a little chilly. The goes for permit and bonefish. On good weather days though the fishing remains excellent. Fortunately this time of year we have plenty of options to choose from. Cooler air temps and an action based fishery, what’s not to love about Key West Backcountry fishing in the fall. Tight lines. Capt. John Purple Heron Charters

Tarpon are one of the more iconic gamefish of the Florida Keys. Their seasonal migration from all along the Eastern seaboard to Key West for spawning typically occurs from March-July when they arrive in huge numbers. These are the larger spawning fish and what is typically known as “tarpon season”. With that being said we do have opportunities at Tarpon year round here in the backcountry off Key West. A lot of the “smart” residential fish aka the large ones, have found a home in marinas where they can’t be fished for or there aren’t any predators. Throughout the backcountry are schools and pockets of more fun-sized(5-30lb) fish that are an absolute blast to catch on light tackle or fly fishing. These Tarpon live here year round. They are very receptive to a well placed artificial lure or fly. Every now and again we run into some Snook as well, but they are far less common than the Tarpon. This is a catch and release fishery, we don’t take them in the boat regardless of size. This gentle handling ensures the best possible health upon release for these magnificent gamefish. If you’re interested in giving it a shot feel free to shoot me a message and I can recommend a good time to look for them. A lot of where we fish is tidally based for access so we need certain tides. A half day will work but I’d recommend a full day if you’d like to try for other species as well and give it a good effort. Tight lines. -Capt. John Purple Heron Charters