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

The wind and water temps have been varying frequently lately as is the norm for Winter. We have been utilizing the conditions as well as we can and targeting what's best for what the weather allows. This morning it was a little colder and windier so casting artificial lures for barracuda made the most sense. We caught a half dozen or so smaller individuals and capped it off with 2 nicer sized fish. In the afternoon the wind laid down and the sun came out in full force. With a rising water level we were able to get up onto the flats and sight fish to multiple schools of bonefish with shrimp tipped jigs culminating in some healthy fish being released. There is always something fun to fish for here off Key West and this is a great example of picking and choosing your target based off what conditions dictate. Tight lines.