Date:
November 4, 2009
Offshore:
It’s a broken record as far as the offshore scene is concerned.
Charters are running offshore to the hump areas; mostly the 409 hump
is producing best. The 409 is directly south of Islamorada about 18
miles. The Blackfin are feeding in the current rip produced by the
seamount rise off the ocean floor. Live bait is a ways best, but the
old favorite Jap Feather will work just fine on the smaller fish. There
are always a handful of Mahi caught in the same area.
Reefs:
Many captains are sitting on the reef edge and catching the Yellowtail
Snapper early, then cast netting Ballyhoo for Sailfish bait. There
was a good push of Sailfish on Monday at Little Conch Reef. Two charterboats
got in on the action and released several Sails. Do not forget about
the King Mackerel, as they will provide good action while waiting
for the Sailfish to bite. Both species are caught using 20# spinning
tackle.
Gulf and Bay:
Capt. Lou Brubaker ran out to the Gulf early in the week and got in
on some great Cobia action. Lou’s customers released seven
Cobia from 18 to 25 pounds. They kept one for dinner. While in the
Gulf the boys ran along the trap buoys and threw at some Tripletail.
The fish (Tripletail) ranged in size from 4 to 6 pounds. Word is
the Spanish Mackerel are in good supply and eating jigs just of Sprigger
bank.
Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:
Capt. Dave Atkinson put his customers on three Bonefish on Tuesday.
The boys fished all day with slow results, and then at the last hour
the Bones turned on. Dave’s gang released three Bonefish estimated
at 6 to 9 pounds. The Snook bite is red hot in the Flamingo area.
The full moon this week pushed all the water off of the flats in
Flamingo and the Snook followed the bait into the drains and channels.