4/4/16 early April reef and offshore Fishing Report for Islamorada

It was a super busy week here fishing in Islamorada at Bud n' Mary's Marina. Tons of boats fished and we saw a variety of fish caught. On the reef there was a couple sailfish around each day, and one day they bit pretty decent and a handful of boats had 3 - 4 releases a piece. 

We've also seen a few kingfish each day, especially if you have the right live bait. One of the most impressive catches the past week was a giant 82 lb wahoo aboard the Warbird!!! I believe it's the biggest wahoo ever caught out of Bud n' Mary's Marina, and Capt. Shannon had it in the boat within an hour of leaving the dock! You just never know when that fish of a lifetime is going to bite! There's also been a couple regular size wahoo too. 

The amberjack bite still remains strong with fish from 20 - 50 lbs. The blackfin tuna have been hit and miss on the humps, but they should only get better each week. There's been a few mahi around each day, but it is just the start of the season as well, so we should only see more fish each week. 

Capt. Nick Stanczyk released two big tiger sharks estimated at 500 and 600 lbs a few days ago as well. 

Bottom fishing on the reef has been decent for yellowtail snapper most days, a few days were really good when the conditions (water color and current) were right. There also been a couple mutton snapper in the mix and some groupers to release (grouper season opens May 1st). The cobias have been hit and miss, but I imagine we'll see a few more the next few weeks. The Relentless found a school one day and cuaght a giant 70.5 lber! There's also been some barracuda around the reef as well. 

Way offshore Capt. Nick also had a 211 lb swordfish on his last swordfish trip. It was the only bite of the day, and it came late in the afternoon, but it paid off! 

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

Tight Lines

Capt Nick Stanczyk

This fishing report brought to you by YETI!