Fishing Reports by Capt. Mark Houghtaling

Miami, Florida - Offshore - Recent attention has been brought to the hot fishing around the “patch” reefs. Anglers as well as divers have been seeing a large amount of bigger Mutton snapper showing up on the reefs. This is a common occurrence this time of the year, and if yo more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - Sailfishing is reaching a peak to the north of us off Jupiter and Ft. Pierce. Anglers are having a field day catching and releasing as many as fifteen fish per day. It’s common for these fish to make their presence there during the colder pa more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - This week we saw record cold temperatures put a chill on us and the coastal waters as well. Without a doubt the colder temperatures will affect our fishing. As always finding bait inside the bay will be nearly impossible. Pilchards will put on a d more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - I had forgotten how much fun it was.... “patch” fishing that is. On a recent charter, I had a gentleman that was subject to getting very seasick, even on a moderate day of windy weather. I had two choices: cancel the trip, or come up more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - Sailfish have made an assault on the waters off Dade and Monroe Counties. Common catches of two to three fish per day are occurring on a daily basis. With only occasional periods of fishless days , that may only last a day, Dolphin, Kingfish, and more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - Have you ever heard of “Matching the Hatch”? If you are a fly fisherman from up north, it’s a term used to explain the method of matching your bait, or fly, to what the fish are eating today. In other words, if the fish are eating more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - I dreamed all summer about days like this. A strong north wind about 18 to 25 knots, deep blue water roaring to the north at about two knots, flying fish heading for cover almost everywhere you look, Frigate birds swooping and diving after the fly more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - Come on down! The weather’s great, there’s plenty of fine places to eat, and there are plenty of people here anxiously waiting to see you return. I’m talking Sailfish and not our beloved tourists. Gauging from recent reports, the more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - The full moon blues set in this past weekend. Offshore fishing slowed during the full moon. Slower currents, and dirty water, combined to make conditions even worse. On Friday, a weedline showed up in 400 feet of water. Four to six pound Dolphin w more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami

Miami, Florida - Offshore - The Gulf Stream swept in along the reef, and just as predicted, the current picked up and the fishing turned red hot over the weekend. North of Triumph Reef, in 120 feet of water, anglers fishing live baits, had a field day catching Dolphin, Kingf more...
Capt. Mark Houghtaling - Miami