January often holds a lot of promise for our offshore fishing charters.Those wicked cold fronts battering those above us has gotten things rolling here. Most days on the water have yielded Sailfish and Hammerhead Sharks for anglers looking for full sized game fish offshore. We have caught Sailfish in water as shallow as 35 feet and more than a few in 50 to 60 feet. These fish are on the near-shore reefs chasing bait schools, which makes for exciting fishing for all levels of anglers. Kite fishing is producing bites in the deeper water (90-250 feet).
The Hammerheads are mostly in 350 feet of water and are best targeted with baits fished on or near the bottom. Most all of these Hammerheads are males and a big one is a seven footer. The bigger females will be arriving soon.
For those of you looking for something for the table expect to find Dolphin, Kingfish, Wahoo and Snapper. Kingfish are still our go to fish for those looking for food fish. Dolphin are around but typically scattered. Snapper are on the inshore reefs and also deep patches of rock bottom or structure. There are fair numbers of Wahoo, mostly inside of 400 feet. Trolling is currently the best approach. Grouper season is closed as of Jan 1st and must be released.
Swordfishing is either red hot or cold as ice on both day and night trips. One day (or night) they bite like mad dogs and then the very next day it's dead slow on the Swords. It's either been a Home Run or strike three on these guys.
Happy New Year and tight lines from the crew of Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing