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Miami - Haulover to Fowey Light
Capt. Dean Panos
December 3, 2001
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
12/2/01
Congratulations to the winners of the Mini-Met. Although I wanted to fish this tournament, especially considering that I would be defending Top Offshore Captain (2 years in a row), the flu got the better part of me, and I stayed home for some much needed rest. Rest was what was needed, as the next day I was fired up and ready to catch some fish. The ideal conditions we had on Friday diminished a bit with the North Current turning South and the blue water not as defined.
The first drift off of Monument Buoy got us some kingfish, but these fish were small. We caught some bonitas and did land one keeper red grouper, which the anglers kept for some grouper sandwiches. With the water not as blue as I would have liked, we made a move up to the North, and fished an area called the Anchorage.
That proved to be the proper move, since in the next three drifts we got 3 sailfish and a dolphin. Chris’s first sailfish turned out to be a bruiser, and after 45 minutes of pure fight, we finally got this big sailfish boatside for a few quick pictures. Although his sailfish did its share of jumping, most of the fight was down deep, which can make for a long hard battle. Next drift was Scott’s turn, and we got his sailfish in fairly quick order. As we set up for another drift and were rebaiting the kites, Chris got another sailfish. Both Chris and Scott’s sailfish and the battles to catch each one were captured on videotape. So while Chris will be freezing up to the North where he lives, he will at least have video memories of sailfish and South Florida.
The sailfish were all caught on goggle eyes on the kite using eagle Claw L2004EL hooks. So far we are at a 92% catch ratio with sailfish and the new circle hooks. Due to tournaments and the mandatory use of circle hooks, and for the healthy release of sailfish, this season I made a commitment to use circle hooks. So far it has been rewarding in the release area, with most fish hook in the hinge of the jaw, and it has also been rewarding in the catch ratio. The worst thing you can do with a circle hook is to jerk the rod or try to set the hook. Let the line and drag do its thing and the circle hooks will hook on their own. Don’t be scared to use them, just remember -jerks can’t use circle hooks.
If you are looking for that perfect gift for the holidays for the fisherwoman or fisherman of your life, we offer gift certificates for an offshore fishing charter. If you are interested, e-mail me at [email protected] or call (954) 680-5004 for more info.
Capt. Dean Panos
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