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Marathon, Florida Keys
Capt. Bob Brown
December 9, 2002
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Tuna, Dolphin & Sailfish!
The offshore fishing scene has been fairly active lately with nice catches of Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)along with some Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish. The past few days, we have seen good numbers of school sized Mahi in the 200-600ft depths off of Marathon and the middle Keys. Large weed patches have been holding the fish which have been taken by both trolling ballyhoo and pitching live baits up close to the weed patches. The southerly breeze we will have again tomorrow will probably produce Dolphin again if the weed patches don't all blow inshore over the next day or so. Further offshore on Marathon's west Hump, nice catches of Blackfin Tuna have been reported by charter boats and a few large sharks also have been seen and hooked up.
Back in on the edge of the reef in 40-250ft. of water, the Sailfish action has been consistant with several boats catching more than one fish per day. Some days boats were catching 5-6 Sails and had other hook ups. Live baits have been producing the best on the Sailfish, but there were plenty of fish hooked up by private boats trolling dead Ballyhoo. Look for the Sailfish action to improve even more over the next few weeks with an increase in numbers of King Mackerel as well as northern waters cool.
Reef Turns Into Shark City!
The reef fishing has been excellent for large Yellowtail Snapper recently, but an increase in the numbers of large Bull Sharks this week has made it tough to get the 'Tails in the boat. I counted 6 large Bulls under the boat the other day on one Yellowtail spot and have also been hooking up large
Bull Sharks near the 7 mile bridge while Snapper fishing. These critters can give you an awesome fight on light tackle... and on any tackle for that matter. Count on a hour or more battle on 20lb test!! Better off using 50-100lb test if battling the Keys neighborhood Bully. The sharks tend to come and go along the reef edge, so you might have them around for a week or so and then they are gone for a while. Nice catches of Mangrove Snapper have been coming in from the patch reef areas in 25-40ft. of water. Fresh cut Ballyhoo, Shrimp, or live Pinfish and Pilchards have been the best baits for the Snapper and present a good option to battling the Sharks out on the deep reef edge where the Yellowtail hang out.
A few Tarpon
There have been a few Tarpon hanging out around the 7 mile bridge and should be enticed into striking a lure or pinfish after dark. The main Tarpon season is a few months off, but some decent local fish up to 60lb. can be had at the bridge. If you would like more information on fishing in Marathon and the middle Keys, check out our web site. Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
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