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Marathon, Florida Keys
Capt. Bob Brown
March 28, 2002
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sailfish "Tailing"
This is tailing time for the Atlantic Sailfish as they migrate through the Florida Keys this time of year on their annual trek toward Mexico and spawning grounds. As the Sails head west, they often encounter the strong easterly gulfstream current. When the weather cooperates and produces an East wind blowing against the easterly current, the Sailfish take advantage and surf down the waves to help with thier traveling. Sometimes, the top of their tail fin sticks out of the water as they surf down the wave and hence the term "tailing". A few days ago this condition existed here off of Marathon and the middle Keys and the Sailfish action was fantastic! The fish were plentiful and eating. We sighted 8 Sails in the first hour hooking up 3 and catching one huge fish that took 45 minutes to get to the boat. After releasing that fish, we decided to cut the trip short as the East wind had picked up to near 30 knots. Boats who stayed out were rewarded however as some boats topped the 10 Sailfish mark for the day with one boat catching 14 out of 16 hooked up!! Some nice Cobia have also been coming through the same area as the Sailfish and some have been up to 60lb! Look for this condition to continue through April and early May on days when the stronger east winds are blowing.
Tarpon Heating Up
The Tarpon action at the famous 7 mile bridge has been warming up along with the water temp lately. On tuesday night, my party of Mike McDaniel and sons Trent and Scott were out and 11yr. old Scott managed to catch a nice 120lb. Tarpon after jumping off a 60lber just a few minutes before. Several other boats were out that night and we also hooking up some nice fish. Other bridge action has been good on large Mangrove Snapper and some nice Yellow Jacks and Jack Crevalles.
Permit On the Wrecks
Yesterday on the "Sundance" we managed to hook several large Permit fishing shallow oceanside wrecks off of Marathon with the largest right around 30lb. Look for the Permit to show on all the oceanside wrecks in the next few weeks for their annual spawn. Please remember that during the spawning season it is good to release ALL Permit. Some local charter boats have been killing them in recent years (you know who you are) for the pleasure of hanging them on a hook behind their boat. I hope they realize they are severly depleting their own fishing by killing these great fish before they spawn!!
Shark City
Many large sharks have been hanging out in Florida Bay in the long bank area where several local guides often fish for Mangrove Snapper. Some Bull sharks up to 300+lb and some Lemon Sharks up to 200lb. have been caught recently in this shallow water area. Talk about a fun fight on light tackle!! Nice catches of Snapper have been common also in the bay. If you'd like more info on fishing in the Florida Keys, check out our website. Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
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