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Jupiter & Palm Beach Offshore Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Rob Mazzei
December 2, 2000
Jupiter - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sailfish on the move!
Cool weather and consistent northeast winds have heated up the sailfish action. From the Lake Worth Pier north to the Jupiter loran tower, 110 out to 200 feet has been the zone.
As fishing begins to wind down up north, the offshore fleet has made their way to the Palm Beaches. The "pros" are here and have begun to hone their tournament skills, anticipating another winter in "Sailfish Alley." I hope someone tells the goggle eyes, because last year the baitfish hardly showed. $60 out of Palm Beach and $50 in Jupiter per dozen can hurt when the bite is hot and at least 2-3 dozen Gogs are daily necessities. OUCH!!!
Early in the season it’s wise troll rigged ballyhoo and cover a lot of water. When you hook up or locate productive water, deploy the live baits. If it’s breezy enough I’ll fly the kite, if not, slow trolling with live bait off the riggers and a flat line or twowill allow you to cover some water. Look for color changes, weedlines, rips and the tidal edge created by the changing tide. Birds in the area are always a good sign. An easier way is to look the fleet, these guys are out there everyday and their "bread and butter" is sailfish.
Dolphin have been hit or miss, depending on whether or not the Gulfstream is close in or pushed offshore. I’ll target sailfish or kingfish early in the day, as I observe conditions and listen to radio chatter, I'll then decide whether or not to "run and gun" for dolphin. Same as for sails, look for weeds, debris, and especially birds. If you see them hovering over one spot, then swooping down to the surface, that means fish. Get there pronto! Have some cut bait ready to throw out. Wahoo will be in the same area.
Kingfishing has been good close to the beaches, use large sabikis to catch Blue Runners for bait. Stay less then 70 feet for the "smokers." They like to cruise the beach. Up off Peck’s Lake the Spanish Mackerel have showed and are ending up on my grill. On light or fly tackle they will burn your thumb and steal some drag. Be ready for Cobia because they’ll just show up (like the inlaws) when you’re not expecting them. Look for Manta Rays.
Inside Palm Beach Inlet, Tarpon have been moving in and out of the turning basin. Try live shrimp or finger mullet. Night is best.
Good Luck! Seasons greetings.
Capt. Rob
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