Dolphin catches have gotten nothing less than sensational this past week. The major schools of Mahi are being found twenty miles offshore, give or take a few miles. Suffice it to say pretty much every charter boat that runs to the bluewater is in on the great action. On the Kay K IV they had thirty Dolphin by 9:30 one trip last week. On the Southern Comfort they racked 24 big gaffer Dolphin on Friday. The Tuna bite is good on the Hump when the current is running. Some charters have dropped rigs down on the Hump and catching nice Vermillion and Silk Snapper. As far as the Dolphin there have been lots of slammers reported in the thirties in weight. On the Cloud Nine Captain Jeff Ekbom boated a Swordfish weighing 264 pounds.
Reef:
As most charters are fishing Dolphin the reef has been a little neglected. Captain Billy on his Vera Vita fished the reef and got into a mad dog bite of yellowtail Snapper. There have been some Amberjack caught on the reef and some captains are casting crabs and catching Permit on reef wrecks.
Gulf and Bay:
Captain Juan Garcia has been steady fishing the Gulf and getting Mangrove Snapper, Seatrout and the occasional Tripletail. Trout in the north central bay are moving around, probably due to the water temperatures being in the upper eighties. In the lower bay adjacent to the gulf the Trout are in good supply.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Tarpon action is as good if not better than earlier in the season. Captain John Gargan fished dead bait and caught his one angler four Tarpon on evening all estimated at over one hundred pounds. Captain Freddie is still finding Snook in the Flamingo area releasing three or four a trip, including Redfish and Trout. Captain Skip Nielson is catching Tarpon on live Mullet in the channels.
Around the Bridges:
Bridge anglers are still doing good catching Snapper. There have been reports of Sharks taking hooked fish during the battle. Lots of Jacks and a few Mackerel are streaking around the bridges. Cast a jig on #2 wire for the Mackerel bite. There are legal Grouper to be caught, but it takes live bait, heavy tackle and patience.
Fishing Report provided by Captain Russ Pellow www.rustyiv.com 305-393-0013
