We have performed a quick haulout for fresh bottom paint, new zincs, prop speed for the underwater gear and a coat of wax for the hull. Making 19 knots on the clean bottom. The weather is cooling down and the fish are biting. Dolphin remain offshore and there is plenty of action on the reef edge.
Huge schools of spawning Herring, Seals, Whales, all kinds of sea birds, and water temperatures of 57 degrees. Sounds like an area where you might encounter Giant Bluefin Tuna. It has been a great change of pace from the heat and humidity of Key West.
The dog days of summer find us dealing with day time temperatures in the nineties with very little breeze on most days. Water temperatures are hot and fishing is a bit of a challenge. Offshore, a few Dolphin remain but we are far past the peak of the season. Skip Jack Tuna, a few Blackfins and the occasional Billfish round out what’s available in the deep water. On the reef we have had a very steady bite of Grey or Mangrove Snapper for the last 6 weeks, that action is finally slowing down. On days with decent current; Yellowtail, Cero, Various Jack species, King Mackerel and a few Grouper are keeping rods bent.
The heat is oppressive but it’s cooler on the water than anywhere else you might be. So far the fishing is holding up pretty well. Plenty of Dolphin remain offshore, as always you just have to find what area they are holding in. Recently we have been finding huge patches of weed along the continental shelf which have been productive. Best recent catch was a Blue Marlin estimated at between 175-200 pounds. The fish was fought and released in 35 minutes on 30lb trolling tackle. Sailfish remain on the scene offshore as well, we’ve been averaging a Sail bite about every other day. In on the reef edge the Grey Snapper spawned on the recent full moon and we had several decent catches. Muttons, Yellowtail and jumbo sized little Tunny are also biting on the reef.
Summertime has arrived in the Key West area over the last ten days. Temperatures close to 90 degrees, light and variable breezes from the Southeast with isolated but intense thunder storms developing in the afternoon has become the normal weather pattern. Plenty of Dolphin remain in our offshore waters but the best of the season is now past and the quality of the fishing is more inconsistent. A few Sailfish continue to bite in depths from 120′ to 250′ just beyond the reef edge. Mixed in with the Sails have been plenty of Little Tunny, and the occasional full grown Blackfin Tuna. The reef edge is producing decent catches of Yellowtail and Mangrove Snapper along with a few Grouper.
Dolphin fishing remains strong which is to be expected this time of year. We have been experiencing unusually strong Gulf Stream current over the last 10 days or so, with blue water pushed in against a distinct color change just offshore of the reef. Many of our larger Dolphin have been caught in this relatively shallow water. In addition to quality Dolphin, there have been quite a few Sailfish bites along the color change as well. We had 3 Sail bites on a morning 1/2 day yesterday and 2 Sail bites the previous 3/4 day. We fished the Mutton Snapper spawn one night but the current was too strong, making it difficult to hold bottom. We caught 4 over 10 pounds and lost that many during the sunset bite.
During the month of June you can expect the Dolphin fishing action to continue unabated. Larger fish tend to become harder to find as the area fills with tremendous numbers of âschooliesâ. Debris as well as weed lines will be holding fish. A subtle reading of whatever birds you find will also give indications as to what size fish they are following. The surest clue is whether the birds are moving east or west. Schoolies are almost always moving to the east while a small group of large fish are almost always moving west- often at a very good clip. Donât be surprised if you stop on some small fish and have a larger fish crash the party. Dolphin are curious, cannibalistic and opportunistic, big fish are often drawn to the feeding frenzy of small fish. Have a designated rod ready to cast to take advantage of this scenario, 20lb spin with a short piece of 60lb-80lb leader is ideal.
With a good deal of calm weather June is also an ideal month to try a deep drop for daylight Swordfish. Depths from 1400â to 2000â outside the wall are where these fish are caught, right on the bottom. This fishing requires an outfit specifically rigged for dropping. The folks up at Cudjoe Sales can help you get set up if you are interested.
The reef fishing in June can be excellent, as long as the water is not too clear and there is current moving the chum. With a full moon during the middle of the month, Mutton Snapper will again form spawning aggregates. Yellowtail Snapper will continue to spawn this month, also look for Mangrove Snapper to begin their spawn which peaks with the July moon.
Lastly a reminder to boaters that June marks the official start of Hurricane season and or the rainy season. With a lot more moisture in the environment, itâs a good idea to check the local radar before heading out least you get caught in a squall.
Good luck and tight lines,
Capt. Brad
We are probably somewhere near the peak of the Dolphin season. Over the last week our area has been innundated with schools of 4 to 6 pound Dolphin. There are plenty of larger fish still around, it just takes patience and a bit of luck to hook the larger fish with so many smaller fish around. We’ve also been getting a few Sailfish bites on the Dolphin grounds.
Dolphin Season has arrived and we are catching plenty on a daily basis. The very best of the Dolphin action should take place over the next month. Over the last 10 days our largest Dolphin was 40lbs. We have caught several in the mid 30 lb range and many from 20-25 lbs. There have been some Sailfish around as well. We caught 4 Sails during one 3 day stretch last week. The Mutton Snapper spawned on the full moon last week and we had a very good catch the one evening we went. Very strong East and North Easterly winds hampered our fishing over the past week. Those with good sea legs were rewarded with good catches of fish however.
I hope readers of this column were able to participate in the very good Sailfishing which occurred last month during the âTailingâ and âcolor changeâ condition. It was the subject of Aprilâs column, and though it didnât last long, for about 10 days the Sails poured through.
Now that we are into the Month of May itâs time to get serious about Dolphin first and foremost, but also spawning Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper and the re opening of Grouper season. As I write this, the Dolphin bite is just beginning. There are a fair number of small fish around, most of them associated with birds, but very few of the large âslammerâ fish we expect as the migration begins. Historically the biggest Dolphin of the season will be found in mid May. Watch the weather and try to fish on days with light SE breezes, particularly if they occur after several days of fresh Easterlies. Most readers are experienced Dolphin fishermen (and women) so I hardly need to mention the basics: find the current, find the weed, find birds and keep an eye out for debris.
Grouper season has reopened after a 4 month hiatus. Size and bag limits for Atlantic waters are very specific so be sure you know them. Only 3 Grouper per person, only 1 of which can be EITHER a Gag or Black. Reds have to be a minimum of 20 inches while Gagâs and Blackâs must measure 24 inches. As good a bait as any for Grouper are common pinfish- easy to catch and easy to keep.
We have a full moon during the middle of the month. The May moon is the peak period for the Mutton spawn. Sooner or later there will be a closed season during the spawn, and or a reduction in the bag limit which is currently 10. Until then please harvest responsibly- 4 guys could go and legally keep 40 Muttons in one evening, but I think most would agree thatâs way too many. Until the laws changes itâs up to us to do the right thing.
Tight lines and good luck.
Capt. Brad
