Miami, Florida - Offshore

Capt. Mark Houghtaling
December 10, 2003
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report

Anglers fishing the edge of the stream have been enjoying terrific dolphin fishing while fishing live baits off of kites. These fish can be seen chasing flying fish along the reef line. Most of the fish have been averaging 4 to 8 pounds, but anglers are finding plenty of fish over the twenty pound size. While cleaning fish at the cleaning tables at Matheson Hammock I found quite a few carcasses in the thirty pound class.

We were fishing for sailfish with live baits after the recent cold front and the dolphin were almost annoying. We did manage to raise two fish but we missed them both, but there were plenty other anglers catching sails. Look for the fish from 90 to 200 feet. Last week we found fish in 450 feet along a small weedline stretching north and south. There have also been a few kings and wahoo around. Look for them in the same area. The water temperatures are cooling down and the patch reef fishing should start picking up. Larger mutton snapper typically move into the shallower reefs when the weather turns colder. They will hit live ballyhoo fished on the bottom as well as live pilchards and even a fresh plug of ballyhoo. Catching bait has not been a problem. There has been bait inside the bay as well as around the outside markers and buoys. Look for all this action to continue throughout this month and next. Peak sailfish times should be the week before the full moons.

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Mark Houghtaling
• Miami Fishing Reports
• Southeast Florida (Miami to Palm Beach) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports