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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
March 13, 2000
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Are the Blue Marlin running? A few Marlin in the 300 pound class were
reported being caught this past week. One fish was released during the Don
Shula Coco Plum Invitational Sailfish Tournament. Another fish was
reported to me by Crasm1 by e-mail. He was fishing off Taverneir and
reported two Wahoo approximately 25 pounds each. He then ran offshore
and found plenty of Blackfin Tuna and a Yellowfin Tuna. He then ran to the
Hump off Islamorada and caught plenty of small Blackfin Tuna and decided
to drop a Speedo down deep in hopes of catching a big Amberjack. They ran
out of Speedo’s and dropped down a small lively Blackfin Tuna. It didn’t
take long to hook up. The crew of four struggled forever with a very large
fish that they assumed was a big shark. To their surprise the “shark” broke
water and became a Blue Marlin! He didn’t tell me whether they ever brought
the fish to the boat, but none-the-less, it was a Blue Marlin. It’s not
uncommon to find Blue Marlin offshore this time of the year. They will start
following the Tuna and Dolphin that will be moving into our area this month
and next. I honestly think there are quite a few Marlin offshore the Miami
area this time of year, it’s just that no one spends the time to fish for them.
Most of the action this time of year is in close along the edge where the kite
fisherman are trying for Sails. I’m sure if enough anglers trolled bigger lures
off Miami, specifically trying to catch Marlin they would be surprised!
Along the edge this week fishing was good. During the weekend south and
southwesterly winds were not the perfect conditions for Sailfishing.
However, the Sailfishing picked up on Sunday during the Coco Plum
Tournament. Fifty seven fish were caught on Saturday and sixty six fish were
caught on Sunday. Most of the action was reported between the Monument
Buoy of Key Biscayne and the Sea Buoy off Government Cut. As of this
writing we just had a cold front come through and the winds are howling out
of the northeast. I expect awsome action this week for Sailfish. Dolphin are
becoming increasing popular. Larger fish are being caught everyday.
April 30th is the date for this years, David and Mary Alper Grand Dolphin
Fishing Tournament. There will be $5500 in prize money. $ 300.00 entry fee
per boat. Weigh-in will be at the Jewish Community Center on 11155 SW
112 Ave in south Dade. For more information call 305-271-9000 ext 241.
Professional captains are welcome
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 FM.
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://www.magicfin.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.
More Fishing Reports:
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