Sailfish are still the main species being caught and are coming through in decent numbers. Since my last report, we have had a few double digit days (10 releases) and quite a few 6 to 9 sailfish release days. It really depends on conditions, but with good blue water , north current and a bit of a breeze for the kites, it is very probable of catching at least a few sailfish that day. There were a few days a week or so ago, that although we had very little wind, the water was blue with a strong north current and we would see lots of free jumping sailfish. They say these free jumpers are sailfish that are jumping to remove parasites, but what I do know is that if you do see a free jumper; there are usually more sailfish with that one fish. The key is to determine which way they are jumping and then to put yourself in there path. We had a day like that two weekends ago where we fished the Fisher Island Sailfish Tournament. We usually do well in this tournament and this year we caught 9 out 15 sailfish which was good enough for 2nd Place. We caught the majority of our fish by positioning ourselves in front of free jumpers. It is quite rewarding when you see the fish and then position your baits or the boat to intercept there path. There is a bit of anticipation as you wait to see if you did things right and quite the thrill when just as you had planned you hook up to a multiple.
Besides sailfish, there have been quite a few decent size kingfish. Most have been from 5 to 20 pounds, but we have also caught a few topping 30 pounds and up. Using light wire is the key as you will still get bites from the tunas and sails, but will have a reasonable chance of catching a smoker king.
It is now almost May and although the smaller blackfin tunas are here, we are still waiting for the bigger footballs to show up. Usually by now we have caught a few 30 pound plus tunas, but so far we are still waiting. The good news is that I have heard of a few 30 pounders caught, so it is just a matter of time until they show up. Hopefully they will very soon as I have a lot of late afternoon trips booked next week.
May will still offer lots of opportunities for sailfish on the edge as well as big kings and blackfin tunas. Once we roll out of May I am looking forward to get in some good daytime and night time swordfishing as well as hunting mahis in the gulfstream. Also the Bahama trips are ALWAYS a blast in the summer and I do have some already booked, but plenty of open dates are still available. Book now and secure your summer dates. With gas prices rapidly rising I may be forced to increase prices, but will hold off as long as I can. Book now and beat the increase.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Dean Panos
www.doubledcharters.com
(954)805-8231
