Bigger Dolphin Showing Up In Marathon Area!
Capt. Bob Brown
March 18, 2009
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
Nice sized Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) have been starting to make their presence known in the area with some up to 40lb hitting the docks this week at the 7 mile marina here in Marathon. Some of these nicer sized fish have been hanging in close to the reef edge as boats targeting Sailfish in 100-300ft of water have been ambushed by a few hungry Bulls and Cows. Schools of Mahis have also been showing up with some decent 'gaffers' of 10-15lb here and there and plenty of smaller fish. During the recent full moon, the bite was a bit weak on the school fish, but now that the moon has fallen back to a half moon the fish have been more agressive when showing up behind the boat.
Sailfish have been showing up as well especially around the Sombrero Reef and Delta Shoal area the past few days. Several boats had multiple sails this week and some sails were rather large. On days when the gulfstream current has been in close, the sailfish have been on the bite. Right now it is only 1 mile off the reef edge... tomorrow....????? It really is a river with no banks so it can go where it wants to!
Some Blackfin Tuna have been in the inshore reef edge mix lately as well. Wahoo have also been hitting the docks from the 300-600ft level were the local trollers have been finding them. One day there was lots of floating debris off the middle Keys and almost all of it had Wahoo underneath. A good sign that there is more to come!
Reef fishing has improved lately with the Yellowtail Snapper biting great the past few days. Large preditors have made it a bit difficult to get them in the boat at times, but we had a nice catch of huge Yellowtails today with Eric and Cheryl Beery from Columbus, OH and their kids who are down on spring break. We also had a nice Yellowfin Grouper and some other big bites that decided they wanted to stay in the ocean... All in all, the reef has been good the past week or so.
Tarpon action has been heating up in the middle Keys with some showing up at the famous 7 mile bridge and other locations throughout the area. No big numbers of fish, but enough to get you a bite or two or three... Some larger fish have been spotted at the 7 mile bridge and some have been coming through Florida Bay and showing up around offshore wrecks in the gulf as they migrate into the Keys this time of year. The Tarpon action is just at the start so get ready to get your butt kicked by some huge Tarpon the next three months or so!! If you want more info on catching Tarpon in the middle Keys, check out our web site. Good luck in all your fishing adventures!
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