*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: never argue with idiots, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Trailering the boat down to Marathon end of Sept for some snorkeling at Coffins Patch Reef. Would like to put the wife on some fish. Dont know if I want to make a run out to the hump. Any alternatives and reccomendations would be greatly appreciated i.e. tackle, target fish, methods areas etc would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Aquaholic101; 09-21-2009 at 06:05 AM.
If you are going to snorkel in that area you should check out Sombrero as well. I think you will find that more interesting that Coffins Patch. There are tons of options for fishing. Check out the florida sportsman keys forums (fishing reports and general information). I always fish there in Feb and April so I don't know the Aug scene.
__________________
Newburyport, MA
Eastern 35 FB
Door#3
Thanks..was looking at Sombrero as well, wondering if it was worth making that run to snorkel as well. Since we are staying at the Bayview Inn it may be worth the trip. Thanks again
Thanks..was looking at Sombrero as well, wondering if it was worth making that run to snorkel as well. Since we are staying at the Bayview Inn it may be worth the trip. Thanks again
Isn't Bayview Inn on Conch Key? That is a hike by water to Coffin Patch or Sombrero. If you are going to trailer and launch then you could go from Key Colony Beach and you will be within a few miles of Coffin Patch and a few more to Sombrero.
__________________
Newburyport, MA
Eastern 35 FB
Door#3
Sombrero was a great snorkel last we went (about a week ago). We like it better than Coffins Patch but both are nice. You might want to check out the Keynoter for up to date fishing advice. PM me for any specific info I can help with.
Dustin
Isn't Bayview Inn on Conch Key? That is a hike by water to Coffin Patch or Sombrero. If you are going to trailer and launch then you could go from Key Colony Beach and you will be within a few miles of Coffin Patch and a few more to Sombrero.
Scared me for a second...Actually staying at the Bay View Inn and Marina Duck Key. Owners said its a quick shot to Coffins Patch..how far of a run from there to Sombrero?... didnt seem too far. Appreciate all the help and info
Scared me for a second...Actually staying at the Bay View Inn and Marina Duck Key. Owners said its a quick shot to Coffins Patch..how far of a run from there to Sombrero?... didnt seem too far. Appreciate all the help and info
I think Sombrero is 7 - 10 miles further than Coffin's Patch. The dive boats that run there are usually coming out of Boot Key Hbr or small Hbr's on the Gulf side just before 7 mile bridge.
__________________
Newburyport, MA
Eastern 35 FB
Door#3
Door#3 You were right. Website said they were on Duck Key but they are actually on Conch Key. Probably should have done a better job asking questions and researching..Oh well a run to the snorkeling sites it is. I pulled it on my GPS not Too bad. Heard some nice things about the place so hopefully it will be fine.
For fish, ask the locals what's biting where when you're down here. My guess is that the best action will be for Mangrove Snapper in the bay, 10 to 12 miles offshore. Bring lots of chum and set up anywhere you see grass. If no fish in 10 minutes, go to another spot. There was a good post on here 6 months or so ago about fishing the bay side of the Long Key bridge.
As far as snorkeling, the locals will know some spots much closer to Conch Key than Coffins Patch and Sombrero. Ask around, including the small grocery store on Conch Key.
If I were you-pick up a chart at any bait shop. If you have a gps -plug in a few numbers in the bay. Get 4 boxes of chum and go have some fun. Oceanside-just head to the reef, anchor and chum up some fish. You need the gps numbers to anchor over a small wreck or some sort of structure in the bay. There are a couple of spots just a few miles in the bay.
If I were you-pick up a chart at any bait shop. If you have a gps -plug in a few numbers in the bay. Get 4 boxes of chum and go have some fun. Oceanside-just head to the reef, anchor and chum up some fish. You need the gps numbers to anchor over a small wreck or some sort of structure in the bay. There are a couple of spots just a few miles in the bay.
Thanks I put some numbers in and will take your advice on the chart. Thanks to everyone for all the info
Spent Labor Day weekend in Marathon and snorkeled Sombrero a couple of times...take some small bits of bait scatter in the water..you will be amazed at how many yellow-tail, sargent majors and other tropicals come in to feed out of your hand...keep your eyes peeled for the cudas. The visibility is great and the reef is alive with fish. Also north of Sombrero light is some good yellow-tail fishing ...anchor up, put the chum out and free line your bait. We were real successful using silver-sides but other baits work well. For and added treat bring the cast net and fill up on ballyhoo which come right up into the chum slick.
Spent Labor Day weekend in Marathon and snorkeled Sombrero a couple of times...take some small bits of bait scatter in the water..you will be amazed at how many yellow-tail, sargent majors and other tropicals come in to feed out of your hand...keep your eyes peeled for the cudas. The visibility is great and the reef is alive with fish. Also north of Sombrero light is some good yellow-tail fishing ...anchor up, put the chum out and free line your bait. We were real successful using silver-sides but other baits work well. For and added treat bring the cast net and fill up on ballyhoo which come right up into the chum slick.
We had a great trip YT rushed the boat as we were grabbing the mooring ball. Sure enough after snorkeling we started feeding the YT and decent size cudas showed. Stopped feeding and jumped in to watch the cudas pretty neat. Coffins Patch was nice as well. Wish we did more fishing, next time we will try North of Sombrero for fishing. Thanks to everyone for all the great info
Marathon Help 
