Fishing Report for Ft. Lauderdale & Port Everglades
Capt. Cary Hanna
April 20, 2004
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Predators of the sea
Fishing has been a bit slow if your looking for the Kingfish, Sailfish or Tuna's. But their is a reason I believe why their not around in any big numbers. If you have a sharp eye you will see big sharks finning on the surface looking for something to eat or maybe even to spawn. For the most part the sharks have taken over as the main species this month so far. Reports of Hammerheads over 12 feet have been caught along with a few Thresher sharks, Mako, Dusky, reef sharks and big Bull sharks on the reef. Dead baits on the bottom work well while free lining a livie on the surface. 50 pound gear is the minimum to use on these guys. They can reach over 400 pounds, so be ready for a great battle.
We fished the SKA tournament this past weekend and had a hard time finding the Kings. On day one we fished all over the Hillsborough area and came up with 1 King, 2 fish we pulled the hooks on, 1 5 lb.mutton snapper, and had a big fish that came from the down rigger that we battled for about 15 minutes. He stripped a 100 yards of line on his initial run and then stayed on the bottom. We tried to thumb him up slowly but each time we tried he would shake his head and peel more line until he broke us off on a piece of rock or something. When we reeled up, the swivel was still their and only 6 inches of leader was left that was sliced like something sharp had cut it?? Day 2 we made the run to Government cut, 20 miles south and started to fish the Anchorage area down towards fowey not missing the Cuban hole. This day we had choice baits of some of the best Blue runners. We pulled these guys everywhere from 1-3 knots, in and out from 160 feet to 60 feet. From the top of the water column to the bottom only to get Triggerfish sticking to our lines. I even rigged a Houndfish we caught while baifishing. We figured he might make a good downrigger bait with 3 or 4 treble hooks running down his back. We decided to end the misery early and go into the cut and take the intracoastal home. What a beautiful scenic route.
Monday morning took us back out on the reef and sure enough the sharks were biting. We had a couple of dozen Pilchards to fish with but could not get a good bite. We decided to head in and fish for Tarpon in a few of my spots. We jumped a few off but that was it.
Tuesday's report was good from a friend of mine that made it out. A 42 pound Kingfish on the kite bait with a few more Kings at 25 pounds and also a prize catch Cobia on the kite as well. Wish I was out there today. Actually I needed the day off so I could catch up around the house and do some yard work and mop my floors to help my lovely wife out.
The bite is heating up as the Blackfin Tuna are starting to show up along with the bigger Dolphin this month. The weather will be less breezy as the week goes by so be ready to go out on that Swordfishing trip. Catch em up! Captain Cary Hanna
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