Fort Lauderdale Kid's Fishing Charter
Capt. Steve Souther
November 28, 2013
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Usually when we talk about a fishing charter with kids in Fort Lauderdale, it involves a family charter where everyone is involved. Today was a bit different as we were chartered for the sole purpose of catching fish for Milo, a 4 year old from London.
It was absolutely gorgeous today with clear, sunny skies, light breezes, calm seas and fairly nice temperatures in the mid 80's. With Milo's mom, his "special mom" as he called her and baby brother on board, we began trolling in the inlet. Spanish Mackerel have been around and the tide was just beginning to fall. Small spoons are used and they work well, our first fish was hooked less than 5 minutes after leaving the dock.
4 year olds are very curious and keeping Milo's small hands away from the Mackerel's mouth wasn't easy, he wanted to touch his fish. Another fish he was unable to touch was caught, a Leather Jack. Shiny silver with a bright yellow tail, these small fish have tangs in both the lower and upper parts of their bodies. They can make a mate's hands throb for hours if handled incorrectly and Justin chose to de-hook this one and let it go. Of course, mom got a picture.
Early fall is when the baitfish move through our area and a bit further out to sea we began catching small Bullet Bonitos 2 at a time. Milo was going from one rod to the other reeling them in for us. It became humorous as he'd wind the fish in while pointing with his other hand at planes and other things that caught his attention, asking questions the whole time. Apparently these fish didn't require his full attention. LOL And we finally had caught some fish Milo could touch and hold. He was quite excited.
With plenty of live bait in our well, we headed for shallow waters in search of Barracuda, something a little more substantial for Milo to reel in. The tide had turned and the water in close was getting murky from recent rains. It took some time to finally get our bite but Milo waited patiently, unusual for a 4 year old.
The line was singing out and Justin had the rod positioned sideways in the rod holder, Milo was too small to hold the rod and he fought the fish as he had all the others. It took him over 10 minutes to land this Barracuda all by himself. He was quite proud and should be, considering the fish is almost as big as he is. Another fish we kept away from Milo, Barracudas are known for their canine like teeth and can move quickly if not held tight.
We still had some time left and ventured off shore a ways looking for Mahi-mahi or Tuna but struck out on that. However, we did see a few turtles and other things that brought forth a barrage of questions and before we knew it, out time was over.
Kids, fishing charters, Fort Lauderdale… It all adds up to fun and excitement. Oh, and questions.
Tight lines…
Capt. Steve Souther
Fort Lauderdale Off Shore Fishing Charters
www.fanntasticfishing.com
(954) 728-9880
Target Species:
Sailfish, Shark, Swordfish, Tuna, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Kingfish, Snapper, Grouper and more...
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