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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
July 22, 2001
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Dolphin are still running strong offshore the Dade coastline. Anglers have
been finding them from 450 feet of water on out to 1200 feet, or about eight
miles from the drop-off. As always, look for diving birds. Most of the
schools are being followed by diving Petrels. Areas of patchy Sargasso weed
are especially good places to look for fish. If no birds are around, a rapidly
trolled artificial lure can be trolled through the weed in search of fish. If the
hook of an artificial lure is placed high enough inside the skirt, the lure can
be trolled almost weed-free. Green and yellow and blue and pink are excellent
combinations of colors that Dolphin seem to prefer. Don’t be surprised to
find an occasional Wahoo hanging around with these schools of Dolphin.
They will strike the same lures. A wire leader, instead of a monofilament
leader, might prevent a cut-off from a hungry Wahoo.
Don’t be fooled by diving birds that are diving on Bonita and not Dolphin.
We are beginning to see a steady influx of Oceanic Bonita in our area. The
birds don’t care what they are diving on. All they are looking for is a meal.
Watch the birds, they will react differently on Bonita.
We are coming into the summer doldrums and should start to see a decline in
the summer fishing. Many anglers will turn their attention to diving for
lobster. Last year was a disaster and divers are anxious to see what lies ahead
for this years lobster season. Early reports that I have heard were not good.
However, that can change overnight with a big bug push of bugs from a big
“blow” or other climatalogical event. In fact, many divers have found no
lobster in their “spots” one week, only to find the same spots loaded the next.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. About the only major change in the lobster
laws this year is the size of the dive flag displayed. The flag must be
20” x 24” when displayed from a vessel. Vessel’s within 300 feet of a dive
flag in open waters and 100 feet in rivers and inlets and narrow channels
must operate at idle speed. As always a Florida State saltwater fishing license
is required with a current crawfish endorsement. For more information about
diving in Biscayne National Park call 305-230-7275.
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