February started out with a decent bite offshore with Mahi-Mahi and a couple Wahoo. The average size Mahi has weighed anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds, which is nice considering last year this time we remember the average Mahi weight was 6 to 8 pounds. We do catch the occasional 20 to 25 pounder which of course is great. The Wahoo are little larger, averaging fish weighing about 15 to 17 pounds with the nice ones up to 35+ pounds. The wind has been pushing the weed lines to make a nice line to fish off of and when salt water fishing offshore of Ft. Lauderdale we like to fish a weed line in 700 feet of water at 7:00 am, very good chance to get connected to a nice one.
The offshore fishing for Mahi and Wahoo is in 500 to 700 feet of water which puts us about 7 miles offshore.
Inshore fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale in the depths of 120 to 150 feet of water we have been livebaiting for Sailfish, King Mackerel, Black Fin Tuna and Cobia. The wind is averaging 10 to 13 mph. Which is good for the currents, bait and the weed lines getting pushed in closer inshore (considering there is a Easterly wind). The North current is really what most fishermen are looking for and the captains fishing from Palm Beaches to Miami and Fort Lauderdale are looking for the current, water breaks, color change and temp change. The North or South current pushes bait fish and the palegic species that swin into the current and the bite really picks up when the current stays consistent for a three or four day period and on top of a low pressure or cold front, chances are getting much better the bite will be on.
Additionally when the current is moving good, this allows a captain to manuever the boat over structure like wrecks, sunken ships, rock piles, etc. For example if we are using live bait an drifting to the North, Capt. Tom will bump the boat offshore 50 feet or so by the time the current brings us over the wreck, the baits are in position. Good to keep a bait on the bottom for the mutton Snapper or Grouper.
For any questions about fishing or would like to bood the charter boat "Happy Day Today" please conact myself captain Tommy Zsak for as we are
are happy to discuss the fishing charter.
Thanks,
Capt. D. Zsak
(954) 439-8106
46' Hatteras Sportfish
www.topshotfishing.com
