4-25-13 Running of the Bulls has started!

While fishing in Islamorada we knew it was just a matter of time till we saw some "slammers" (20+ lb mahi) on the dock. There had been a few the past few weeks, but not many. However, The past few days we have seen some real quality fish caught, including some big Bull (male) dolphinfish. Islamorada dolphin fishing can be a blast, and should only get better the next few months. Every trip is different, and most of our mahi (dolphin) average 3 - 10 lbs, but its always nice to get a few big ones. Yesterday the Predator had the best catch of mahi this season with 7 fish from 18 - 35 lbs, and 15 other schoolies (3 - 5 lbs). The Gold Digger also had a great day of fishing. In th morning they caught a bucket full of "flag" yellowtail snapper , with fish from 2 - 5 lbs! Then in the afternoon they went in search of dolphin, they didn't find a bunch, they caught a handful, but one of them was a true monster, a 53 lber! That one could be tough to top this year. The Relentless had a handful of schoolies and also had some drag pulling amberjacks in the 35 lb range, as well as a sailfish release. The day before aboard the Bn'M we had 3 slammers all around 25 lbs as well as a pair of daytime swordfish. The broadbill weren't monsters, about 50 and 60 lbs. We were ecstatic to see them though since the bite has been very tough for our boats lately. We never had a bite on our trip a few days prior. The Fearless released a nice sailfish that day as well as some big amberjack (which are true back breakers and fight as hard as anything). Yesterday they also had a cooler full of delicious yellowtail snapper. The Strictly Business also got in on some bottom fishing yesterday and plenty of white meat fish for dinner, including yellowtail snapper, vermillion snapper, and some porgys. Shark fishing in Islamorada has been active as well. The Kalex had some young kids catch and release a big 10' long, 300 lb hammer head the other day, and the Bn'M also had a 250 lb bull shark release. There has been some "football" (2-5) lb blackfin tuna showing up on the humps the past few days as well, so hopefully we'll see some big ones soon. There's also been some permit around on the reef as well, the Pretty Work released a couple two days ago in the afternoon. I suspect the reef fishing will still remain consistent and the best bet for the most action, with a steady bite of snapper, the occasional sailfish, some mackerel and permit, as well as a few other odds and ends. The offshore fishing for mahi may still fluctuate with some busy and slow days the next couple weeks, but if you're patient and put your time in you always have a shot!

Capt. Nick Stanczyk

Comments

[Rusty Ansell]

Clear water what a great place to swim