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Miami - Haulover to Fowey Light
Capt. Dean Panos
December 4, 2000
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report
The sailfishing last week was the best we have seen this season. A flurry of cold fronts have sent the sailfish our way. Mid last week, there were a few boats that had double digit catches of sailfish. One boat had as many as 14 sailfish releases. Many others had 5 or more. There was also a decent amount of dolphin caught and the kingfish seemed to bite a little bit better in the afternoon.
This past week was the Mini Met tournament, out of Marina Del Mar, in Key Largo. The MET tournament is the oldest and longest tournament in South Florida. The tournament runs from Dec. 9 through the end of May. The Mini Met is a one day tournament prior to the opening of the Met. I regularly fished the Mini Met, and this year was no different. Last year I won top offshore captain and I was looking forward to defending it. After catching a well full of pilchards and at least 3 dozen goggle eyes, I ran my boat down the Intercoastal from North Miami to Key Largo. We brought our bait pens with us and spent the night at Marina Del Mar.
Heading out Saturday morning, we were greeted with nice sailfishing conditions. We had a N-NE wind at 15 knots and blue water up to the reef. The only thing lacking was a strong North current. We ran South to Davis Reef and set up our first drift. This area last year, we went 7 out of 9 on sailfish. Our first drift didn't produce a strike, so based on the VHF chatter, we moved up to Conch Reef. Here we went 1 for 3 on sailfish, a dolphin and a cuda. For this time of year, I would consider that a slow day, but it was enough to win top offshore captain. The fishing Club I belong to, Miami Sportfishing Club, http://www.miamisportfishing.com also won as top offshore club.
I encourage everybody to fish the Met tournament, including the Mini-Met. It's free and it is a lot of fun. For more information go to their web site at http://www.met-fl.org
The cold fronts will continue to push through our area. That means the fishing will get better and better. Picture this, a deep blue edge in around 130 ft depth, wind NE 15 knots, flying fish being chased, and a strong North current. That spells winter fishing and sailfishing. If you want to experience true excitement, go out there and experience Miami fishing in the winter. Regardless if you fish with a guide or on your own, give it a shot, because with those conditions, it can be awesome.
If you are stuck and can't figure on a gift for the holidays, consider a gift certificate for a fishing charter. Gift certificates are available, so give us a call (954)680-5004.
Tight Lines and Good Fishing
Capt. Dean Panos
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