2/11/15 February Offshore Fishing Report

It's a little chilly here in Islamorada right now. We had another cold front pass through last night. We woke up with temperatures in the low 60's this morning. The Islamorada Offshore charter boats have been fishing a fair amount lately, but the next couple weeks are a great time to beat the Spring Break crowds that we get in March. The sailfish bite has pretty much been the same story the last month. If you are patient and put your time in, most days you're getting a shot or two, but some days they remain elusive. A few boats have done better, like the Relentless who caught 4 fish on Monday, to win the Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open. Congrats!

Team Relentless were bartender sailfish tournament champs!

Sailfish action shot aboard the Buzz On

It's been a good year for king mackerel here in the Florida Keys. Some people like to eat them grilled, but my favorite way is smoked. We've had lots of fish in the 5 - 15 lb range, with the occasion "smoker" king in the 25 - 40 lb range.

25 lb kingfish on the Bn'M II

We've seen a couple blackfin tuna still around, with the occasional mahi as well. There's still been some nice mutton snapper while fishing the reef and the wrecks, as well as some amberjack and a couple big african pompano.

Nice mutton snapper for this lady on the Man O War

Monster 36 lb african pompano caught aboard the Bn'M while wreck fishing

There was a few cobia caught yesterday, and with this cold weather I think we'll see another good push of them this week. I expect more cobia to move out of the gulf of Mexico to the warmer waters near the reef on the Atlantic side. We recently had the "Wounded Warriors" fishing with us again. It's always an honor to them out on the water and show them a good time. They are true heroes. They caught some great fish here too!

Nice black grouper caught and released on the Miss Islamorada

Big Amberjack caught on the Wounded Warrior trip on the Miss Islamorada

A few boats have been going "deep dropping" for snapper, tilefish, and grouper (snowy and yellowedge grouper are open for harvest unlike the shallow water groupers). It's a great way to catch dinner and almost all the fish in the 400 - 700' zone of water are great eating! We've had a few sharks around the reef to catch as well as some barracuda too. I made it out swordfishing on one trip and we managed to catch and release 2 juvenile broadbills. It's not my favorite time for them, but there's still some fish around, and if the weather allows and you want to take a gamble and try your luck, you always have a shot off Islamorad for a daytime swordfish!

Barracuda caught and released on the Bn'M

Swordfish release on the Bn'M II

Give the marina office a call at 305 664 2461 when you're ready to book your next fishing adventure in Islamorada!

Capt. Nick Stanczyk