Date:
December 31, 2008
Offshore:
It was a quiet week for any offshore action, as the wind was up and
the summertime trend is to stay close to the reef. During the winter
any day that the wind is light the Islamorada Hump would be a good
bet for the Blackfin Tuna action and the possibility of a Dolphin
or two is always there.
Reefs:
The Sailfish bite slowed down a little this week, but they are still
here in good numbers. Captain Ron Allen took a half day trip with
the intentions of doing battle with some Sailfish, but had no Sailfish
activity. Ron’s anglers did catch a few Dolphin and took them
out to dinner. Captain John on the Suzanne out of Whale Harbor Marina
had a great day on the Yellowtail Snapper on Monday. John’s
clients boxed their limit of thirty Snapper. The King Mackerel are
present and eating deep trolled baits from Alligator Reef to Conch
Reef in water depths from 90 to 200 feet.
Gulf and Bay:
When the weather permits most Islamorada guides opt to ride to the
Gulf for the sensational Spanish Mackerel Bite. Capt. Fred Ferreria
ran his new Pathfinder skiff out to the Mackerel grounds and just
plain wore out his customers. Fred’s clients caught an estimated
40 Spanish and boxed several 5 to 6 pound fish for eating. There
are also a lot of Mangrove Snapper to be had in the chum slick. The
Mangrove Snapper must be over ten inches, but they are common well
over 12 inches and are great eating. Remember to have circle hooks
and a venting device when in the Gulf.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
A good bite on Bonefish was recorded by Captain Dave “Big D” Atkinson
this past week. Dave fished two trips and released four Bones one day
and two the next. The Bonefish were eating “resting” Shrimp
and were estimated in weight from 7 to 10 pounds. The Flamingo area
is red hot one day and not so the next according to Capt. Lou Brubaker.
Lou fished a ¾ day on 12/22 and caught two Trout, one Snapper
and 6 small Jack Crevalle. THEN…. Lou fished 12 /26 a 5 hour
trip and caught and released one Drum, two Redfish and 16 Snook. What
a difference a day makes. The productive day was on the falling tide.
