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Fishing Report for Ft. Lauderdale & Port Everglades
Capt. Cary Hanna
April 7, 2003
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mako Madness
Saturday night seemed to be the best night to head offshore to have a chance at a good Swordfish. The winds have been blowing a little to much for my comfort level, but I heard they were going to lay down a little bit for the evening, so Berton, Ryan and Amy from Summerfield Boatyard booked the night and we headed out but not before we caught us a few mixed baits. We chummed up the waters near the bouy and caught mostly Rainbow runners and a few nice speedos, and a blue runner. I always bring a few large Squids. On the way out winds were ESE at about 5 knots and it took us almost an hour averaging 20 knots to get to the area. WE set up on the deep side of the shelf and set out our lines, 2 Squid baits and 2 live baits. Almost emmediately after we set up the last line which was the deepest one with an Electalume light, a 2 pound led, and a pumped up Speedo the line started peeling right off the reel. I engaged the drag, and cranked until the rod bent over. Berton was first up on this fish fighting him from the rod holder until he was fitted up with the fighting belt. With about 15 pounds of drag on this reel Bert had this fish at the boat within 20 minutes. As we leadered the fish closer to the boat I was expecting a nice Swordfish but we got the unexpected, a nice Mako Shark. I stuck him with the flying gaff and this Shark went nuts boatside jumping and shaking himself right off the 10 inch gaff. He took a run that didn't stop for at least a 100 yards. I was glad Berton still had a good grip on the rod. Next Ryan came in to finish the battle. As the fish came closer to the boat he swam like a psycho going left to right, twisting and spinning and chewing the heavy mono leader. He finally came to the boat and I stuck him good but he still wouldn't die. We had to hold him boatside for 15-20 minutes before I would let this 120 pounds of teeth in the boat. By the time we got him in we had drifted inside to much so we set up deeper this time and tried again. The rest of the night was quiet. Out of about 15 boats I heard of only 2 or 3 others with fish. I was surprised, with the right moon and a nice 4 knot current I thought it would have been more favorable. Mako sharks are known to feed on Swordfish, that might have been a reason why the Swords were not as aggressive as usual. Don't let the winds stop you from fishing off the reef, if they keep persisting just take your Dramamine. One the night before and one the morning of your fishing trip works the best. The fishing is great this time of year, so get it while it's hot!
Till Next Tide,
Captain Cary Hanna
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