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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
December 17, 2001
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Excellent offshore fishing has been occurring off Dade County and Northern Key Largo waters this past week. We have had persistant easterly winds and a consistant northerly push of the Gulf Stream, which when the two get together we can have terrific offshore action.
Sailfishing began in November and has been right on schedule. Anglers fishing the edge of the stream have been catching two and three fish per day during a day of fishing. What is really encouraging is the other fish that have been caught along with the Sailfish. Kingfish, Dolphin, Cero Mackerel, Bonito, and a good bottom bite for Snapper and Grouper tops off the action. During one outing last week, our anglers on the “Magic Fingers” had a tough time Sailfishing. There were so many Dolphin along the edge that you could not soak a live bait long enough for a Sailfish to find it. After putting out a bait on the kite, it took only minutes before a hoarde of Dolphin would find it. The fish were ranging between five to fifteen pounds. We limited out in a matter of hours and began releasing the other fish. We finally were able to find a lone Sailfish when we drifted up into shallow water( 80 ft.) and enticed a hungry Sailfish to bite. While fishing for Sails we commonly fish two live baits off each kite(we fly two kites) and we put a live bait on the bottom and a live bait at mid-water level. The Snapper and Grouper have been keeping the bottom rod active with small Muttons and Red Grouper tearing our live Threadfins up. However, we did manage to catch a large thirty pound Gag Grouper that hit a live Pilchard off the bottom. The mid-water rod has been steady with Kings.
Look for the same action to continue. In fact, during the upcoming full moon phase, I am looking for a big push of Sailfish in our area. Typically during Decembers full moon we have an explosive catch of Sails. In past years there have been boats with double digit catches. A good cold front along with the moon wouldn’t hurt either. The other fish should be there also. Look for the reef action to pick up with the patch reef off Hawks Channel starting to shelter a large amount of bottom dwellers.
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