Ft. Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing Reports
Ft Lauderdale Offshore Fishing Report- July 2009
Here we are in the middle of July and
our summer fishing trends off
Fort Lauderdale
are becoming well established. King Mackerel are biting most days so well
that catching the legal limit on a trip is not a problem. Most of these fish
are smaller in size, from 6 to 10 lbs. but larger Kingfish are occasionally
caught on the troll or with live bait.
While searching for the Kingfish, schools of large Bonito
(Little Tunny) are being encountered. These fierce fighters are a blast to
catch on lighter tackle and it’s not unusual to have 2 or 3 on at a time. In
the last week or so, these have been biting so well it is hard to keep baits
in the water.
Winter fishing usually entails the
use of live bait. In the summer here in
Ft.
Lauderdale,
live bait is only used seldom for a pitch bait to a tailing Sailfish or to
entice larger Barracuda to bite. Both these fish can be caught on the troll
and are always welcome when they do appear as both can be prized catches.
These fish can be encountered just about anywhere we fish, inshore next to
the reef or in the deeper waters off our coast while searching for Dolphin
(Mahi-mahi), which also love a pitched live bait.
Our normal easterly winds were interrupted for a few weeks
this year with unusual westerly winds. When the wind blows from the west, it
blows weed lines and debris far from shore. We have now returned to more
normal weather pattern and are beginning to see a major improvement off
shore searching for Dolphin. Just within the last week or so, these fish are
showing in some good numbers. It has made going further off shore worth
while to search for the schools passing by our area. A fresh fish dinner was
never better. 
Back in closer to shore bottom fishing has been steady.
Large Amberjacks have been biting live baits dropped on the deeper wrecks
and reefs. Large Warsaw Groupers are also being caught on days conditions
allow. Mutton Snapper and rarely Cobia have also been caught by dropping
both live and dead baits to the bottom. Hang on to the rod when one of these
bite, they will definitely test your tackle and skill.
Lastly, Spinner Sharks have been in very close to shore
and around some of the shallow wrecks and reefs. Mostly under 4’, these fish
can really be a handful as they jump, twist and “spin” when hooked. Purely
for the sport of it, Spinners are fun to catch and release. Quite often,
they release themselves…
Enjoy the rest of the summer.
We are…
Captain Rick
Captain Steve
Marlin My Darlin
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