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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
January 31, 2000
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Even though the fishing has not been as hot as we would like this past week, you can't help but love the weather and possible fishing opportunities this time of year brings. This past week brought hours of watching and wishing for fish, interrupted by a few minutes of angling bliss.
The cold weather ushered in immediate fishing results with the Sailfish obliging anglers with a red hot bite after the passage of the front. During the days following the front, there was virtually no current, and the fishing action slowed to a trickle of what it was in the beginning of the week. Cold northerly winds had the Sailfish slamming baits on the surface. Many charter boats had catches of six to eight fish per day. On the next day the current virtually stopped and so did the fishing. My team of the anglers on the "Magic Fingers" sat for hours without a strike, but did manage to catch a few quality fish. They reeled in a 40 pound Kingfish, a 30 pound Dolphin, and a 10 and a 12 pound Cero Mackerel. Sounds like a good day but the total catch happened during 90 minutes of fishing, the rest of the day was a bust.
The crew on the L&H opted to fish the bottom while the current was taking a rest and did well catching Grouper and Snapper on the wrecks from Fowey south to Pacific Reef. Amberjack are starting to show up more frequently on the wrecks, and will continue to be on the increase throughout February and March. Live Pinfish have been making excellent baits for bottom fisherman searching for bigger Grouper and Snapper. Gag Grouper are becoming a frequent catch this time of year. Fish the artificial wrecks with Pinfish and a stout rod and you should be guaranteed a Grouper or Snapper.
The drift boat Reward II has been finding good Kingfish action during their morning charters. Most fish have been in the 4 to 6 pound range, but many 15 pound fish have been hitting the deck. They have also been cashing in on the Sailfish action.
Dipping for Shrimp has been excellent. The area of Rickenbacher Causeway has been the hot spot. One amateur dipper reported catching over 700 pounds of shrimp during one night of shrimping. ( check local laws for current limits)
Biscayne Bay Fly Shop, located at 8243 South Dixie Highway, Miami, will be hosting a Fly Fishing Seminar with Captain Rick Murphy, famous for his ESPN Sportsman's Adventures, on March 11, time and price to be announced. And on March 25th and 26th, Chico Fernandez, renowned author and master fly-fisherman, will give a two day, one on one, fly fishing class which will include breakfast and lunch both days. Cost will be $375.00. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm free fly tying classes will be given by resident expert Jesus Quintino. For more information call 305-669-5851.
On Thursday nights, from 7pm to 8pm, at the Old Cutler Raw Bar, South Dixie Highway and SW 184 Street, come listen to "Fishing South Florida Style". This is an hour long live radio show hosted by Mike Pace, Captain Rob Fordyce, Captain Marty Locke, and Captain Mark Houghtaling. Offshore and inshore fishing topics are covered during the live radio broadcast, and you can pick up a few tips from the radio hosts after the show. You can also catch the show on Thunder Country 100.3.
Captain Mark Houghtaling wants to hear from you. Send him your latest catches and pictures to15920 SW 85 Ave. Miami, Fla. 33157, or E-mail him at [email protected]. Capt. Mark also has a charter fishing service ,you can call him at 305-253-1151 or check out his web page at http://cyberangler.com
For free safe boating and personal watercraft classes call the Coast Guard Auxiliary at 305-820-8411, or the United States Power Squadron at 305-238-4807.
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