4/16/16 Mid April Offshore Fishing Report

The month is flying by here in Islamorada and it's already past the mid way point in April! Boats have been venturing out both way offshore in search of mahi and tuna, and staying on the edge of the reef. Each day has been a little different, and we are definitely in the spring time transition. Overall there has been good fishing but a couple days were definitely slower. On the reef the past few days the yellowtail snapper bite has been on fire. There's been nice "flags" averaging 2 lbs on the deeper reef and smaller keepers on the patch reefs. We've also seen a couple mutton snappers in the mix. On the bottom rods there's been both black and red grouper caught and released, and I know everyone is excited for May 1st when season opens for them! 

While live baiting outside the reef there's been a couple sailfish still around. We're still seeing some king mackerel, a couple tuna, permit, amberjack, and a few other fish around the wrecks just outside the reef. Check out this big 37 lb african pompano! 

Further offshore the mahi bite has been on and off. A few days boats have done decent with 8 - 12 fish, raning from 3 - 20 lbs, but some days boats ran all over the ocean for just a couple fish. One day Last week the Catch 22 had a spectacular day, and Jo Anne caught a big 46 lb Bull!!!  It was funny becuase we posted the picture to our social media outlets and everyone accused us of photoshopping the picture!! Sure it was a good camera angle with the iPhone, but I had to tell all these wannabee Sherlock Holmes' not to quit their day jobs! It was a good thing I took multiple pics of the fish when it hit the dock. I think most of the guys sitting behind their computer and phones were jealous that Jo Anne caught a bigger mahi than them! It looks like we are going to get some east wind here starting tomorrow so hopefully this coming week the mahi fishing gets a little more consistent. There's been some blackfin tunas, amberjacks, and sharks around the humps as well. 

Way offshore there's been a couple swordfish around and Capt. Nick Stanczyk caught a 160 lber his last trip and a 95 lber the trip before. 

Give the marina office a call at 305 664 261 and we'll help set up your next fishing charter in Islamorada! 

Tight Lines, 

Capt. Nick Stanczyk 

This weeks fishing report brought to you by YETI!