Mike Johnson

Fishing continues to heat up with the cold fronts. As these cold fronts push the cold air to the south here in Florida they also push the fish. Real high numbers of shots with sailfish have been few and far between but if you put your time in you should get a couple of shots each day. As stated in earlier reports live bait is the ticket to catching these gamefish. Whether fishing goggle eyes or blue runners from the kite or pulling a spread of live ballyhoos, the sailfish can't help but eat them. When pulling live ballyhoos many people like to pull down sea (facing south)when these cold fronts blow out of the N, NW or NE.

While it is easier to spot the fish this way it can be difficult to hook them. Remember the fish are moving south so when they eat the bait as you feed them your line slips behind them and creates a belly in the line. They often feel this resistence and let go before you come tight, also when you try to come tight they are facing you and you pull the bait from their mouth. Try pulling in or offshore when you get the bite just a small angle can make all the difference. I like to pull my baits in and offshore kind of zig zagging down the reef.

Fish Species: Sails, Kings, Dolphin
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Mike Johnson

About The Author: Captain Mike Johnson

Company: Local Knowledge

Area Reporting: Southeast Florida - Fort Lauderdale

Bio: Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale Capt. Mike Johnson has lifetime of experience on local waters. A charter fisherman since 1994, Mike obtained his captains license in 1996. He has several tournament wins under his belt in both the Bahamas and Florida's east coast. He recently purchased a 42' Hatteras, The Local Knowledge, which is in charter at the Bahia Mar Radisson Marina, located in Fort Lauderdale. Capt. Mike aims to make sure that charters not only catch fish but have a great time doing it. Nobody likes a grumpy crew!

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