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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
November 20, 2001
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Persistent dirty water and a south current have plagued offshore anglers
seeking Sailfish and Dolphin. Sailfish prefer cleaner water and a northerly
current. However, there were still a few fish found along the edge of the reef.
Most anglers found them under the live baits being suspended from their
kites. On board the “Magic Fingers” we went two for three during a half day
trip. We also found a few Dolphin and Kingfish. In the area of the sewer
outfall off Virginia Key the Kingfish bite has been good. Early morning and
late afternoon has been best. In fact, anglers have been finding Kings along
the edge of the reef from north Key Largo to Miami Beach.
The good news is that the bottom bite was terrific during the southerly
currents. On Saturday, the wind was out of the north, and the current was
heading due south which gave you a terrific drift to the south. The drift to the
east or west was very slow, so you could hold a certain depth very well. We
started our drift in 120 feet of water and it took us an hour to make it out to
180 feet. We put out a sea anchor and had four baits flying off our kites to
the rear of the boat and put two deep lines off the bow. It didn’t take us long
to realize that the bottom bite was on. During two hours we caught Mutton
Snapper, Grouper, big Kings, and had our asses kicked by bigger bottom fish.
We did have one Sailfish investigate our baits on top but he would never
take. I’m sure the conditions were perfect for the bottom bite, and you would
have to duplicate those conditions again to have the terrific action we were
having.
Look for the action along the edge to get better with cleaner water and a north
current. The conditions we are having now are only temporary and they could
change overnight. Sailfishing will get better every day as more fish move into
our area, and you will find Dolphin, Kings, and Bonita along the edge as
well.
I have a just a few days available around Christmas. Half-days are always an
option. Happy Holidays!
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