Windy days of Bonefishing-Fishing after Hurricane Mathew
Capt. Alex Zapata
October 28, 2016
Biscayne Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fortunately, South Florida wasn't seriously affected by hurricane Mathew, only leaving moderate rain, lots of wind and inactivity.
For us, the fishing guide community, any major storm coming means charter cancellations and down time at the dock. Let alone if windy conditions become prevalent for the following weeks after the storm, which is the case for now.
The wind has been blowing relentlessly since Mathew, making fishing very tough to say the least. Add the seasonal fall king tides along with cloudy skies and rain to make the bonefish and permit fishing very, very difficult.
On the positive side, the hurricane pushed even more bait down south, creating a feeding frenzy show. There have been acres of mullet and pilchards working their way south, along with Jacks, snook, trout, snappers, barracudas, tarpon and ladyfiish happily joining the party.
We have been finding bonefish pushing in schools and mudding, during the lower stages of the tide, at spots with strong current or moving water. The muds have been key to spot the fish in days when visibility is greatly reduced by cloud cover and/or higher than normal water levels.
We have been also taking advantage of the massive schools of bait and catching some nice hard pulling jacks around them. Some of these jacks are pushing 12 to 15lbs and make a great choice for those days when the weather conditions aren't ideal for sight fishing.
David and Steve went 4 for 5 on bonefish
Steve and his first bonefish ever
Ramiro and a nice Jack caught around the mullet muds
Bonefish by catch
Biscayne Bay Fishing Forecast:
We are already starting to experience some frontal activity which will make the bonefish start to school up and follow their late fall-winter time ocean side patterns. permit fishing can be still decent during days of warmer weather and clear skies. Jacks, tarpon, Snook, trout, barracudas, lady fish and snappers will continue working the schools of bait. Tarpon fishing at night in downtown starts to get very good.
Target Species:
Bonefish, Jacks, permit
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