April Fishing Forecast for Miami and Vicinity
Capt. Wayne Conn
March 22, 2013
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
The weather patterns we've experienced this year have been somewhat unusual, to say the least. Here it is nearly April, and we are just coming off the coolest week of the year! The forecasts have been vague at best. I'd love to have the local weatherman's job! Let's see, check the NWS Marine Forecast on your CPU, embellish somewhat with a negative warning or two, and you've done your job! In my opinion, 10-20 mph forecasts mean that they really don't know a better one. I'd like to see them say what may happen with a positive spin instead of the negative one. Apparently in this age of sensationalism its cooler to give the negative vibes. That's JMHO. (Recently learned that lingo). The last few afternoons have been as pretty as it gets off South Florida and a pure joy to be on the ocean!
On the Reward Fleet we've seen mixed bag catches. Scattered kings up to 20 lbs, bonitas, yellowtails, mutton and lane snappers, porgies, and an occasional sailfish or two. The last 2 days we've had schools of decent dolphin swim up to our boat, and show no interest in feeding! Man. At least our customers can see what they're not catching!
The puzzling fact this year is the mysterious shortage of sailfish. This is two years in a row that we haven't had decent, consistent sailfish action. Looking back on last year's log books reflected awesome sailfishing the first week of April, and I hope it happens again! On our boats, everyone is fishing with their own rod and reel, our crews put out kites and flat lines with live baits to target them as well as other pelagic species. There is no greater thrill for us to see customers fighting and releasing these great fish!
Night fishing has had mixed results as well. Yellowtails, muttons, and mangroves are being caught, as well as loads of hungry small bluefish, if there is any current at all to attract them to the boat. Lack of northerly currents affects this fishing as much as daytime fishing. When the water isn't moving, the fish aren't either!
We recently have become involved in what used to be The Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge, now to be known as the Bob Lewis Kids Fishing Challenge scheduled for April 19, 20th at the Shake A Leg organization in Coconut Grove. Bring your kids out and enjoy the festivities and activities, as well as learn something from one of the many educational stations on site on Friday night's registration! There is a limit of youth anglers competing that should be filled quickly, so get there early! Details can be found on www.billfishchallenge.com.
Look for the Reward Fleet to begin Family Fishing Fun trips this summer. These trips are geared to enlightening families to the joys of fishing together, with some education thrown in to boot! Sea Grant as well as other organizations will partner with us to make it happen. Stay tuned!
Captain Wayne Conn
The Reward Fishing Fleet
www.fishingmiami.com
305-372-9470
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