Dolphin and Cobia
Capt. Nick Cremasco
March 15, 2012
Stuart - Saltwater Fishing Report
Hello fishing fans
Stuart Florida fishing was really starting to shape up for some normal spring time fishing. Dolphin were being targeted and caught in depths ranging from 60ft to 350ft. Trolling has been the best method although good live bait results are happening too. Look for current edges, scattered weed or weed lines to fish along. Color changes work well too. If your preferred method is trolling small ballyhoo rigged on 60lb mono with long shank J hooks work best. Try using a 7766 or 3406 number 6/0-7/0. Use an 1/8 to 1/4 ounce chin weight to help keep the bait in the water with the faster trolling speeds. Best speed will be between 5.5-7knots. Small 1/8 ounce seawitches, little hooker chuggers and squid skirts work best for skirts. Try blue and white to mimic flying fish or green and yellow to mimic juvenile dolphin. When trolling for dolphin especially in water deeper than 100ft and especially along edges I would recommend inserting at least 1 bait with light wire for a wahoo. If you do not like rigging your own ballyhoo, small lures like No Alibi feathers, Jet heads and bait less chuggers work great.
Cobia fishing was starting to improve before the major blow also. The east wind should certainly help the dolphin fishing but it may take a little longer for the Cobia fishing to rebound. Most Cobia if not caught on Manta Rays this time of year are caught on Inshore structure from 30-70ft. The shallower you like to fish the longer it will take to get good again because it will take longer for the water quality to improve. The best methods are drifting live baits on the bottom and jigging with Cobia Slayer jigs. If you like to jig I would recommend trying more than one color jig at a time. Big action slow retrieve.
When the wind stops blowing good luck and tight-lines
Stuart Fishing Forecast:
Dolphin fishing should continue to get better and better over the next 4-8 weeks. Cobia fishing should peak in the next 3-5 weeks.
Great Yellowfin Tuna fishing and BIG dolphin fishing coming up on East Side Tuna trips aboard the DayMaker.
Target Species:
Dolphin, Cobia, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna
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