10/2/16 End of September/Early October Offshore fishing report

We had some great weather the last week of September here while offshore fishing in Islamorada. The wind picked up the last couple days but most the boats still made it out. Offshore the blackin tuna bite was still the best bet for action. Most of the fish were 4 - 10 lbs with a few in the 15 - 20 lb range. The dolphin bite was still hit and miss overall, but a couple boats did find "magical debris" and did very well, and a couple boats found nice schools of migrating fish. I think we'll continue seeing plenty of blackfin tuna the next month and I imagine the dolphin bite we'll be a little spotty, kind of how this whole season was. Some boats also caught and released some big dusky sharks the past week, with a couple reported over 300 lbs! A couple boats have also been doing some "deep dropping" and there's been a few barrelfish and queen snapper caught.

 

 

Back on the reef the yellowtail snapper bite has been steady with a couple muttons and mangroves mixed in. The king mackerel are showing back up on the wrecks as well. A couple boats got in on some early sailfish action, with the Relentless releasing a couple yesterday and the Reel McCoy releasing three last week during an afternoon trip. 

 

Way offshore a few of us have been swordfishing. Last week was pretty good, and we had one giant broadbill swordfish that weighed in at 411 lbs!!! However, the past few days the bite really slowed down and we are hoping it turns back on like it should be for this time of year. The Fall is typically peak season on swords, so hopefully they start biting again any day. 

 

Give the marina office a call at 305 664 2461 to book your next Islamorada Offshore fishing charter! We also have discounted rates this Fall for our accommodations. 

Tight Lines, 

Capt. Nick Stanczyk