TROPHY CATCH IN KEY WEST: AFRICAN POMPANO & SHARK FISHING TRIP

Longtime client Jeff Wuest has been fishing with us in Key West since 2002, and in mid-October 2022, he returned with a group of close friends for another multi-day fishing adventure. While the crew originally set out trolling for mahi-mahi, the bite was slow—so they decided to change tactics and head to one of our favorite deep wrecks. That’s where the real action started.

Using bonita strips as bait, the group began hooking into some serious predators. Day one brought in an impressive lineup: a sandbar shark, a powerful bull shark, and the highlight—a scalloped hammerhead that made for an unforgettable fight. It was a textbook example of how wreck fishing in Key West delivers when conditions are right.

On day two, the group shifted to a different wreck in slightly shallower water. This time, they dropped squid and were rewarded with a 28-pound African Pompano—Jeff’s first ever! It was a proud moment and worthy of a replica mountto commemorate the catch. African Pompano are known for their power and beauty, making them a prized target among anglers fishing in Key West.

To wrap up their three-day trip, the crew did what every successful angler should do—celebrate with a fresh catch meal. They took their Pompano fillets to Hurricane Hole Restaurant, where the fish was cooked three different ways: blackened, grilled, and fried. With some well-earned cocktails and great conversation, it was the perfect end to a memorable fishing experience.

Jeff was beyond pleased and is already planning his next Key West fishing trip. We’ve had the honor of fishing with him for over two decades—and we look forward to many more.