7/30/18 End Of July Deep Sea Fishing Report

July was one of the nicest weather months we have seen in a long time here in the Florida Keys. Most days were light winds with sunshine, and there was only a few days with wind and thunderstorms. Overall the mahi bite was very good for the month. Sure not everyday is great, and there are days where some boats fill the box and others just have a handful of fish, but overall we saw some great fishing. July was the month of the big "slammer" mahi for sure. The Warbird brought the biggest to the dock this season with a 53 lber!!! The Cloud Nine had a 47 lber one trip and there was quite a few other fish in the 30 - 40 lb range. The schoolies were nice size and we had quite a few gaffer size fish in the 8 - 15 lb range. As we approach Fall we should see some of the best blackfin tuna fishing coming up the next few months. 

There was still a few billfish caught trolling including a couple blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. The blackfin tuna bite was fair. The bite was good for a few days and slow for a few. A lot of boats bottom fished out deep and we saw blueline tilefish, barrelfish, yellowedge grouper, and snowy grouper. On the reef we had great mangrove snapper fishing. Many boats limited out on their reef trips, plus theres been some yellowtail and a couple mutton snapper. 

The swordfish bite was slower than expected in July. Usually it's one of our best months but we had more slow trips than good trips. One of our good trips was while shooting a show with Nicky Sinden (The women's world record holder for swordfish) from New Zealand for her series called "Addicted to Fishing". That trip we had 2 bites and tagged and released a 90 lber and a 50 lber. One trip the week prior we released a 50 lber as well. A handful of trips resulted in no bites at all. I think the bite will pick back up soon, and hopefully this Fall is good fishing. 

If you want a shot a mahi, blackfin tuna, or just want to stay on the reef and catch some snapper for dinner give us a call in the office at 305 664 2461 and we'll set you up with an Islamorada Fishing Charter!!! Remember we have lodging options available right at the marina too! 

Capt. Nick Stanczyk