Miami fishing proves to be a hit!
Miami Fishing Report – May 3, 2011
Miami fishing proves to be a hit!
Miami Fishing has been great and consistent. There are so much things to do right now most anglers are overwhelmed. They are contemplating weather to stay inshore, on the reef or venturing offshore. Well the good news is that there is something for all.
Cobias, Mutton Snappers and Groupers in Miami
The cobias that were in the shallow parts of Biscayne Bay have moved out to the deeper wrecks in 200 – 400’. What a nice surprise when we drop our lines and connect with a 40 pound cobia. The deeper wrecks are also producing Amberjacks to 80 pounds as well as black and gag groupers to 28 pounds. The mutton snappers are starting to do their thing in the shallower wrecks in 80-150’. Following the full moon at night will yield the best chances at a cooler full of this fish.
Yellow Tail Snapper fishing in Miami
The yellow-tailing fishing (yellow tail snappers) has been the best that Miami has seen in the last 25 years. Whether fishing Miami day or night, you can encounter some nice yellow tails in the reef in about 60-90’. Make sure you are on top of rocky bottom and with a light north current. Chum like crazy without putting a line in the water for at least 20 minutes, then start fishing! Use light line (12#) and no leaders to augment your chances.
Dolphin
Dolphin fishing in Miami has been hit or miss for the last two weeks. Several small dolphin have been caught from 300’ – 1000’ just outside of Miami and Key Biscayne. Most of them are throw backs as they don’t comply with the federal minimum size to keep them. However, we are expecting that at any time in the month on May the big ones will make their way in and it will be a mother load! Every year these big dolphin make their run in late April or early May and then the little ones follow. By August the little ones are gone and the big ones are making their returning run back to the warmer waters of the Caribbean. It is during August that Miami anglers see some more of the nice big dolphins as they intercept them on their way down.
Sailfish in Miami
The sailfish action has been also pretty good. All of our half day charters are seeing chances at one sailfish if not more. This is on our slower days. However on the better days, we are seeing shots at 3-4 fish. On our full day charters we are seeing about 10 shots at catching sailfish.
Kingfish – The Big Ones
Kingfish action has been fast and furious. We are getting our limit of 12 kings just on every trip and these fish are big. Ranging in the 20 pound range it is not uncommon to find them up to 40 pounds. Mixed in with the kings are bonitos which are a lot of fun to catch. Kids love to fish for kings and bonitos. Scale back on your tackle to incite more strikes. Of course, live bait is the ticket here, and the bigger the better. Don’t forget to use wire line to protect against cutoff as these creatures have some mean teeth.
Tunas are Here in Miami
The black fin tunas are in Miami. Fishing in low light conditions has proven to be better; therefore, fish for them really early in the morning or preferably in the later hours of day just prior to sunset. Tunas require a lot of free live chum to get them up. In Masita III we use a large live well and chum with our smaller baits and use the bigger baits for our tackle. Tunas in Miami are reaching an average of 35 pounds. They are great to fight but take your time and don’t muscle them in.
The kites still work and do wonders for fishing all together. Bait has been very hard. Word to the wise, pin the baits that you didn’t use at your marina for future use. Feed them and take care of them by handling them one by one when you transfer them from your well to the bait cage. If this seems like too much work, there are several live bait boats that can hook you up every morning as you go out fishing in Miami.
For Masita Charters and Miami Charter Boat, I’m Capt. Carlos Mendez.
Masita Charters DBA Miami Charter Boat
