6/20/16 Deep Sea Fishing Report for Islamorada

We had some fantastic weather last week here in Islamorada, Florida Keys. The wind picked up yesterday afternoon some, but most of us think it will only help out with the dolphin fishing. The east wind should stir them up. The past week the dolphin bite was similar to what we've been seeing the past month and a half. It's been decent overall, with some days being better than others, but still a few slow days in the mix. We did see some real quality fish the past week, including a few fish over 40 lbs, a fair amount over 20 lbs, and still the average size of 3 - 10 lbs. The fish have been caught while trolling, finding floating debris, and sight fishing them swimming in the weed lines. They have been spread out from 350' to 2500' of water, so without a doubt a full day charter is really the only realistic option to target them. On average most of the boats have had anywhere from 6 - 18 fish. 

 

We had a nice bite of blackfin tuna on the humps, especially if the boats were able to load the livewell with live pilchards in the morning. The bigger fish in the 15 - 25 lb range were taken on the livies, and still the "footballs" and medium size tuna have been biting the artificials and dead baits. There was also a few sailfish caught and released offshore over the weekend, as well as a couple wahoo and tripletail taken as well. 

 

On the reef there's been a steady bite of yellowtail snappers. If you're patient and fish a bigger bait there has also been a few nice mutton snapper around, and still a couple black and red grouper. Also some amberjack and bonitos too. 

 

Way offshore it was a tough bite for the daytime swordfish. The Bn'M released one broadbill swordfish a couple trips ago, and on the "Broad Minded" we didn't have bites on two of our last three trips, and the other trip we lost what seemed to be a decent fish right when we were getting the windon leader up to the boat. Hopefully the bite improves this week. 

Remember to check out our NEW OUTFITTERS STORE here at Bud n' Mary's Marina with all sorts of items from PELAGIC, YETI, COLUMBIA, XTRATUF, and a bunch more Bud n' Mary's apparel. Give the office a call at 305 664 2461 to set up your next fishing charter in Islamorada, Florida Keys. 

Capt. Nick Stanczyk