Marathon- Florida Keys Fishing Report- September 12, 2008

Courtesy of Marathon charter fishing boats, Best Bet Sportfishing and the Florida Keys Weekly Newspapers.

DODGING STORMS

Did you happen to catch the early projected path for Hurricane Ike? The original models had it heading directly over the Marathon, Florida and more than a few “not agains” were groaned throughout the fishing and tourism community.

Luckily for us, meteorologists are not known for their accuracy, and the storm stayed well south – blasting Cuba and only minimally affecting the Florida Keys. Rainsqualls and strong wind gusts forced boats to stay at the docks and on trailers for most of the week, but things could have been a lot worse.

Fishing should return to normal by Saturday and anglers can look forward to excellent catches of dolphin and solid yellowtail action on the reef. For the next couple of months keep a close eye on the fish finders (yellowtail), the Gulf Stream (dolphin) and the radar (storms). Until we get a change in the weather, you can expect the fishing to remain similar.

Before hurricanes Gustav and Ike arrived the dolphin fishing was excellent. A group from West Virginia had no problem loading up the box with hard-fighting, 12 to 15 pound fish. We found a consistent weedline just offshore of Marathon, in the 150 to 250 foot range, and enticed the aggressive gaffers with live pilchards and pinfish.

Reports of larger fish came in from boats trolling ballyhoo in the same area and the dolphin fishing should remain hot throughout the next few weeks. The recent strong winds should help group together grass patches offshore, and now is the time to get out there and take advantage of our wonderful late summertime dolphin fishery.

Last week we also found success fishing the deep reef in 60 to 80 feet of water and fish were active from top to bottom with two to three pound yellowtail on the surface, kingfish and cero mackerel down deeper, and a dependable mangrove snapper and black grouper bite on the bottom.

The key to fishing the reef is to not skimp on the chum, and while a baitwell full of live pilchards can make for a more enjoyable experience- cut ballyhoo, shrimp, or live pinfish will also do the trick. Pilchards have been scarce, so purchase pinfish from local tackle shops rather than spending your time searching around for the scattered baits.

Inshore Captain Chris Morrison has been dodging squalls the past few weeks yet made it out to guide clients to five successful days of fly fishing for tarpon and bonefish. Morrison caught an impressive number of resident tarpon and recommends heading out early in the morning for your best chance to hook an enjoyable fish in the five to 30 pound range.

He said the weak tide slowed the bonefishing down a bit, but he was able to find a few tailers and expects the fishing to get better as the tide strengthens. Morrison also suggests fishing the low incoming tide, in the morning or early afternoon, for your best chance at catching the illusive species.

Your BEST BET for the week ahead: Bottom Fishing

Head to the deep reef and chum, chum, chum. Use live or fresh cut bait and fish all water columns. Don’t forget to pack number five wire for the heavy concentration of kingfish and cero mackerel, and be prepared for ballyhoo to show up in your chum line. Bring along sabikis or a small mesh cast net to load up on the excellent baitfish.