The Tarpon Are Here

Capt. Gil Gutierrez
February 29, 2012
Miami - Saltwater Fishing Report

What a difference a couple of weeks make. It looks as if the tarpon have finally made it to Miami in full force. On one of my tarpon trips I found myself to be in the company of Dr. Jerry Ault of the Rosentiel School of Marine Science at the University of Miami. Our goal for the night was to try and capture a tarpon over 100 pounds so that we could implant a satellite tag. Unfortunately our biggest tarpon of the night was 80 pounds. The good news is that we ended up 8/10 on tarpon with fish ranging from 30-80 pounds. If you ever wanted to try your hand at catching one of the silver kings now is the time. Right now we are getting anywhere from 2-4 shots a night on an average 4 hour trip.
    The one thing that has been a little inconsistent and baffling have been the sailfish. They seem to be playing a game of hide and seek. Some of this can be explained by the current appearing and then disappearing at will. Add in the fact of unseasonable warm weather which has not really pushed the fish as hard as we would like. We either get a shot at some or never see one. I had not seen a sailfish in two trips and then ended getting 3 in a 5 hour trip. Hopefully they will become more consistent. I know this is not what some people want to here but it is the truth. But luckily if the conditions are not right for one fish they are right for another.
    Mahi-mahi are all over the reef right now. These mahi have ranged from small schoolie dolphin all the way to larger gaffer dolphin. The mahi have been in on the reef and have eaten baits meant for the sailfish. The mahi should remain here for awhile.
    The bottom bite has also been very good. We have been catching blacks, gags and amberjacks. In addition to these we have also added some mutton snapper to the box. I have 2 trips this weekend and they requested some bottom fish so we will be focusing in on the bottom bite this weekend. The kingfish have also filled in the gaps quite nicely. Although not huge the kings have been plentiful and willing to bite. There have been some fish in the 20-30# range mixed in. Well this brings us up to date. Again don't miss out on the tarpon and all the other fish that are available to us. Give me a call and let's go fishing.
 
Till Next Time
Best of Luck…
 
Lucky Fishing Charters, Capt. Gil Gutierrez

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