We’ve been catching a mixed bag of species of late. Sailfishing is decent, most days we’ve fished for them we’ve caught them. There has also been a few Wahoo bites. Kingfish are starting to show up in greater numbers, and on the reef Yellowtail Snapper have been biting consistently
Fall Dolphin fishing has remained consistent over the last several weeks. We have found the fish on the reef edge chasing Ballyhoo some days, under frigate birds other days, or along current edges and around floating debris. Most of the fish are 5 to 15 pounds. Also getting some Sailfish bites both on the troll and while live baiting. Sailfishing should continue to improve now that the weather is beginning to cool down. On the reef, we’ve had decent action on Yellowtail Snapper.
After our annual fall boat yard trip we are back in the water to resume running charter fishing trips. There has been good fall Dolphin fishing with a few Sailfish bites mixed in. The Sailfish action should continue to improve as the weather cools down. On the reef, the Yellowtail Snapper fishing has been consistent. Plenty of Cero on the reef as well.
Dolphin fishing has been our primary focus over the last month. This is typical for this time of year. Most of the action has taken place well offshore from the edge of the wall where water depths fall from 900′ to 1500′ out to 6-8 miles beyond the wall. finding Bird life and weed lines has been the key to success. We have also had a reasonable number of billfish bites. 4 Blue Marlin bites, a double header White Marlin bite and 3 Sailfish bites scattered over the last 3 weeks. On shorter trips we have had action fishing
the reef edge for Yellowtail and Mangrove Snapper.
Over the past month we have seen a steady improvement in the fishing. A distinct color change has been in place for three week, featuring green water on one side and bright blue water with strong east current on the other. Sailfishing and Tuna fishing along this edge has been excellent on many days. Further offshore, the Dolphin fishing has been very steady and has included days with multiple fish over 20 pounds landed.
Fishing over the last month has been challenging. We have had an on going issue with scattered Sargasso weed which has been so thick it is often impossible to fish a given area. Water quality has also been an issue with a lack of the vibrant color changes we expect to have this time of year. None the less, we have been producing steady catches of Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, (some over 30 pounds) Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail and a few Dolphin.
We have had steady fishing over the course of the last several weeks for a variety of species. Weather conditions and the availability of various types of bait has determined what we target on any given day. Signs of the transition to spring fishing are apparent. There has been a decrease in the number of King Mackerel but an increase in the number of Sailfish. Reef fishing has been strong with many good catches of Yellowtail Snapper and Mutton Snapper. We caught a couple of good sized Cobia one day which is another sign of spring. Amberjack are also becoming more abundant on the deep water wrecks.
For clients who want a lot of action, the last month has been terrific. King Mackerel and Little Tunny are everywhere and have provided constant rod bending action. The Snapper bite has been fair, some days a decent bite other days a slow pick. Lots of large Bull Sharks around for those who want to tangle with them. Cero, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo and a few Mahi also available. Sailfish remain scarce.
Overall the fishing has been very solid for the last several weeks. Dolphin, large Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish have dominated the action. We have also had success with Yellowtail Snapper on trips when we have anchored down on the reef. The wind has been an issue with lots of days featuring 15 to 20 knots or above. The harder it blows the better the fishing has been.
