If you compare this year to previous years then January and February were a disappointment. March on the other hand has been fabulous especially for those pursuing spindle beaks a.k.a. sailfish. Over the last couple of weeks the action has been excellent for one of the most popular game fish targeted off the south Florida coast. Conditions have been very favorable and winds have ranged from very calm to a stiff breeze. One thing is for sure, you have to be able to alter the game plan in a heartbeat. Techniques have varied from fishing heavy wind kites at times to using helium and on some occasions slow trolling flat lines. All of the fish have been caught on a combination of live baits that include goggle eyes, herring, and pilchards.
Speaking of bait, pilchards have showed up in great numbers making it possible to net them and use them as both bait and live chum. Live chumming is one of the most effective techniques for luring lots of fish to the boat. Almost any fish that swims in our waters will be attracted by a net full of tasty pilchards. Live chum is so effective that many tournaments won't allow it in order to keep a level playing field. With this said, a well full of bait is like a wishing well. Anything will be possible.
Sailfishing has been very good to excellent and we have been averaging anywhere from four to ten shots per trip. On some of the best days, anglers had other commitments forcing us to head in earlier than usual and probably leaving behind a few more opportunities. More than half of the sailfish caught have been caught by anglers that have never before caught one. Half of those anglers have consisted of women and children. We've definitely proven that anyone willing to put in the time can cash in on this amazing fishery.
On several trips we've also caught some very nice kingfish and bottom fish. Most of the kingfish and muttons have made it into the cooler for dinner but the grouper have been released due to the closed season. Aside from the muttons, we've also caught a bunch of tasty vermillion snapper for dinner on some trips. Although we haven't targeted amberjack they have showed up on some of the wrecks and have been biting nicely. A couple of big barracudas have also been caught over the wrecks.
One fish that is definitely here but has eluded us lately is the dolphin or mahi-mahi. It seems like we can't get on the same page. Fortunately, it is only a matter of time before we find each other. Some really nice fish have been showing up and I'm hoping that we have a banner year. Last summer, I was getting the boat repowered and missed out on some of the dolphin fishing but this year I'm looking to change that my new Mercury four stroke engines. My new engines have given me increased range and efficiency along with a quiet, smoke free operation.
If you prefer tarpon fishing, you're in luck because the next couple of months will give us some of the biggest fish of the season. So far this year, tarpon fishing has been a bit inconsistent around Government Cut but it does seem to be steadily improving. On some nights when the tides are favorable the fishing can be red hot around area bridges. The best bet is to call ahead of time so that we can plan the trip around the best tides. I should also mention that while tarpon fishing we are also catching a bunch of smaller fish including but not limited to: bluefish, ladyfish, mackerel, jacks, etc. Although they are not the intended target they do provide entertainment between tarpon bites.
If you'd like to keep up with everything that is happening just follow the action on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Twitter. I've also started to upload videos on YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/user/Fishingchartermiami that are intended to both entertain and teach. Pretty soon I'll be posting some videos providing tips and techniques that have proven successful.
Well that is pretty much it for now. If you'd like to check availability or book your next fishing adventure simply call, email, or text today. Some of the best fishing of the year will be happening in the next couple months. Don't be left out!
Tight Lines,
Capt. Orlando Muniz
Nomad Fishing Charters
fishingchartermiami.com
786-266-0171
