Islamorada Sea Horse Sportfishing Report

Capt. Rick Rodriguez
September 18, 2011
Islamorada - Saltwater Fishing Report

Islamorada Florida Key Sea Horse Off-Shore Sept Report
Off-shore around the Hump there has been a lot of Black fin Tuna, Barracudas, Sharks, and some Wahoo. The Tuna have been on the 409, and Islamorada Hump in amazing numbers. The Tuna vary in size from day to day. There are 30 pound Tunas and 3 pound Tunas you really never know how big the bite is going to be. Most of the bigger Tunas have been caught fishing deeper near the bottom with live bait and vertical jigs. Along with the Tunas down deep there have been nice catches of Greater Amberjacks, Vermilion Snapper, Scamp, and Almaco

o Jacks.
Way off-shore: The Mahi have been coming through sporadically. Some days the Mahi are easier to find than others. The key is to cover a lot of area and look for the common indicators like birds, floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Fresh Bonita cut into chunks, and live bait has been working well once you find the fish. The good news is the Mahi have been larger than last year. We seldom have to measure our fish lately. While looking for Mahi we have also caught Wahoo, Skip Jack Tuna, Barracuda, and Bill fish. One of great gifts from the sea lately has been large Triple Tail swimming around float debris. These fish are fun to catch and even better to eat. The Triple is a deceptive fish that appears to be slow moving. Because they do not quickly swim away from passing boats they are under estimated. Some anglers determined to find Mahi will pass up opportunities to catch these fish. However those that attempt to catch these great fish understand how fast and strong the triple Tail can be. Triple Tail often grown up to be in excess of 20 pounds and are fierce fighters. When hooked they commonly jump and peel off a lot of line. They are strong and often get away from anglers that have not caught them before. Their hard bony small mouth is difficult to get a hook set in. To catch Triple tail consistently it is essential to use a very sharp strong hook. Other methods like jigs, cut bait, small live fish will work well to catch these fish. Tackle such as a 4/0 laser sharpened hooks, 30 pound mono leader on a 20 pound spinning outfit has proven to have worked well in the past. Triple Tail will eat a variety baits and lures; however a live shrimp is hard to beat.
Forecast:
October should be great reef fishing in the Islamorada area. Previous years we have had great success with Kingfish, Sailfish, Tunas, and Mahi moving down the edge towards warmer waters. This migration of fish to the south is what we count on every year. We look forward to the bait migrating down our way with each passing cold front. So far we have observed plenty of Ballyhoo, Cigar Minnows, and Pilchards moving down the shallow reef areas. Along with all this bait movement we started catching good numbers of King Mackerel, Mutton Snapper, Sailfish, and Yellow Tail. If all goes well with the bait holding up down here the fishing will more than likely be outstanding during the fall.
Whether you are a novice, or an expert angler the Whale Harbor fleet will help you have and catch fish in beautiful Islamorada.
www.floridakeysfishing-charters.com
Capt Rick Rodriguez 305-664-5020

Islamorada Fishing Forecast:

More Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi working their way down the edge of the reef.

Target Species:

Sailfish, Kingfish,

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