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Miami, Florida - Offshore
Capt. Mark Houghtaling
April 11, 2000
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
Windy April weather has been keeping many anglers at home, but the one’s
that are braving the rough seas have been finding great fishing offshore. Not
only has the action been hot at times, it has also been varied, with a large
variety of fish to go after.
A recent influx of Cobia to our region has been bringing in the smiles. No
one has been really targeting the Cobia. They have been incidental catches
while live baiting for other species. However, if you happen to come across a
large turtle, or Whale Shark, you should investigate further. There may be a
school of Cobia swimming along with them. They will readily take a live bait
tossed to them. Many of the fish that were caught this week were upwards of
forty to fifty pounds. Be cautious when gaffing a large Cobia. They will spin
and twist and shake, many times falling off the gaff and into your boat. A
mad Cobia thrashing around the bottom of your boat can fracture rods and
ankles in a hurry. Have a plan to gaff him, bring him over the gunwales, and
into a cooler with one swoop.
Kitefishing has been excellent. The windy weather makes for easy kite
flying, and gets the fish in a feeding mood. Sailfish have been abundant.
Dolphin have been consistant. Many of the fish have been schoolies, but
don’t be surprised when a thirty pound bull shows up under your bait. There
have been areas of heavier weed offshore. The windy weather will break up
the weeds but they will still be congregated in one area. This is a good time to
work that area with lures. Many lures are virtually weedless, and can be
trolled through heavy weed areas without having to clean the weeds off your
line every few minutes. Dolphin will hunt through these weedy areas in
search of food.
Kingfishing has been awesome. We have been having some of the best
Kingfishing of the year. They have been plentiful between the Monument
Buoy and Government Cut. Slow trolled live baits, especially in the morning
hours will have a limit of Kings (two per person) in no time. Concentrate
your efforts from 60 to 120 feet of water.
And last but not least.....Wahoo! Typically, Wahoo will start to appear this
time of year along with the Dolphin. Many of the fish will be large as
experienced by Matt Neber, who caught a 69 1/2 pound Wahoo during the
Miami Billfish Tournament last week. His fish overshadowed many other
large fish in the forty pound class that were also caught during the event.
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
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