Fort Lauderdale July Fishing
Capt. John Logan
August 1, 2009
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Here we are in the middle of July and our summer fishing trends off Fort Lauderdale are becoming well established. King Mackerel are biting most days so well that catching the legal limit on a trip is not a problem. Most of these fish are smaller in size, from 6 to 10 lbs. but larger Kingfish are occasionally caught on the troll or with live bait.
While searching for the Kingfish, schools of large Bonito (Little Tunny) are being encountered. These fierce fighters are a blast to catch on lighter tackle and it's not unusual to have 2 or 3 on at a time. In the last week or so, these have been biting so well it is hard to keep baits in the water.
Winter fishing usually entails the use of live bait. In the summer here in Ft. Lauderdale, live bait is only used seldom for a pitch bait to a tailing Sailfish or to entice larger Barracuda to bite. Both these fish can be caught on the troll and are always welcome when they do appear as both can be prized catches. These fish can be encountered just about anywhere we fish, inshore next to the reef or in the deeper waters off our coast while searching for Dolphin (Mahi-mahi), which also love a pitched live bait.
Our normal easterly winds were interrupted for a few weeks this year with unusual westerly winds. When the wind blows from the west, it blows weed lines and debris far from shore. We have now returned to more normal weather pattern and are beginning to see a major improvement off shore searching for Dolphin. Just within the last week or so, these fish are showing in some good numbers. It has made going further off shore worth while to search for the schools passing by our area. A fresh fish dinner was never better.
Back in closer to shore bottom fishing has been steady. Large Amberjacks have been biting live baits dropped on the deeper wrecks and reefs. Large Warsaw Groupers are also being caught on days conditions allow. Mutton Snapper and rarely Cobia have also been caught by dropping both live and dead baits to the bottom. Hang on to the rod when one of these bite, they will definitely test your tackle and skill.
Lastly, Spinner Sharks have been in very close to shore and around some of the shallow wrecks and reefs. Mostly under 4', these fish can really be a handful as they jump, twist and "spin" when hooked. Purely for the sport of it, Spinners are fun to catch and release. Quite often, they release themselves…
Enjoy the rest of the summer.
We are…
Captain Rick
Captain Steve
Marlin My Darlin
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