Key West Gulf Fishing In April

I piloted the Coolcast into the Gulf of Mexico today to trail behind shrimp boats to catch the Blackfin Tuna that follow these boats while looking for bycatch. My party managed to hook a dozen of these pelagic fish, with the biggest weighing 32 lbs. With serene seas and light winds, the conditions in the Gulf were great. We trailed behind the first boat about forty miles northwest of port, catching a few Bonita, a 28-lb. Cobia, and 5 Blackfin Tuna. We spotted a massive Hammerhead lurking behind the shrimper as well. While trailing a second shrimp vessel, we actually caught a shark, a 250-lb. Bull Shark, in addition to 7 more Blackfin Tuna.

Once the shrimp boats returned to port, we ventured out to the S Tower, a communication structure built 43 miles northwest of Key West. After drawing fish to the boat with chum, the party hauled in a 35-lb. Cobia as well as ample Yellowtail Snapper and more than a dozen Amberjacks. We enjoyed such a fabulous day in the Gulf today, we're heading back on Wednesday.

Tight lines and trophy trips,

Captain Damon Santelli