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Marathon, Florida Keys
Capt. Bob Brown
December 17, 2007
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mahi-Mahi, Dorado, Dolphin?
The fish with three names, commonly called the Dolphin here in south Florida, aka Mahi-Mahi (Hawaii) and Dorado (Latin America). We are lucky enough to catch them year round here in the Florida Keys. The success rate on them is directly related to the wind direction and temperatures of both air and water. When we have above normal temps with winds out of the East, SE, or South for an extended period we can catch Dolphin in close to the edge of the reef all throughout the winter. That is what has been happening lately here off of Marathon as good numbers of Mahi's have been hanging around in close where we can easily catch them. Around cold fronts where the temps get cool like what just happened here today, the Dolphin will move offshore to the edge of the Gulfstream where the water is the warmest during the cool conditions. Then once the wind turns back around to East and then Southeast, the bite is usually good on the edge of the stream until the warm weather persists a few days. This past week we caught Dolphin in close to the reef edge while the winds were out of the East and SE and then with the passage of the cool front bringing in the north wind and cooler temps, the Dolphin have cooled off. This is a normal winter trend. So if you are an avid Dolphin fisherman, try to target them in conditions of east, or southeast wind for best success! The great table fare of the Mahi makes them a favorite of Keys anglers but the fight and the beauty of the fish are also what attracts all saltwater anglers to this great species. So if you think Dolphin only bite in spring and summer, think again as we have been catching them up lately here off of Marathon.
Sailfish bustin loose!
The sailfish bite along the Atlantic side of the middle Keys has been red hot for the past few weeks and some areas have lit off that were not on the radar a couple weeks ago. American shoal has had a good run of sails lately with some fish coming right up on the reef into 20ft of water chasing the large schools of baitfish that have been hanging on the patch reefs. Sombrero Reef and Delta Shoal have also been producing some good numbers of Sails in the waters adjacent to these super shallow spots as the batifish get pushed out deeper at timed due to the outgoing tides from the 7 mile bridge. Sailfish aciton should be hot right though the winter months and look for a hot bite afte the cool front we are experiencing at the moment. It will only get better the next couple months so now is the time for hooking up that trophy Sail here off of Marathon!
Mack Attack
The spanish mackerel in Florida bay have been on fire lately with easy pickens out from 8-15 miles north of Marathon. Chumming over the grassy bottom areas has been producing great and anywhere near some of the small home made wrecks that are out in those same areas. Shrimp fished on a wire leader works great along with any type of jig tipped with shrimp, squid or even not tipped with anything if they get to frenzying like they can. This action should remain hot for the next 2-3 months in the calm waters of Florida Bay.
If you would like more info about the middle keys and fishing here, check out our web site! Good luck in all your fishing adventures!
Capt Bob Brown, Jr.
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