Weedline Wonders

Prime baits are right where they are supposed to be.

With the exception of a few essential oceanic oases' including reefs, wrecks, ledges, pinnacles, and underwater seamounts, the open-ocean is a rather desert-like expanse of barren blue water. In this extreme saltwater environment, well-formed Sargassum weedlines harbor an extraordinary amount of marine creatures. These floating ecosystems are the basis of life and provide structure and sanctuary in a rather featureless topography.

Sargassum is a type of brown algae that is comprised of two species, Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans. These dense, holopelagic species are floating structures that consist of branched, leafy vegetation with gas-filled, berry-like floats. The floats are called pneumatocyst’ and enable the Sargassum to drift on the surface where photosynthesis – the process in which Sargassum converts sunlight into energy – can be most effective.

Aquatic Assassins

It’s no secret that Sargassum attracts nearly every species of pelagic game fish pursued by blue-water anglers; however, these mats of floating vegetation play a much more important role than only providing piscatorial prizes to the recreational sport-fishing community. While providing essential refuge and safe breeding grounds for juvenile game fish, Sargassum offers safety and security to numerous species of marine animals including, fish, birds, sea turtles, shrimp, crabs and other marine invertebrates. As an intricate offshore marine ecosystem, Sargassum is one of the most important structures in the entire Atlantic Ocean.

A wide range of organisms can be found within close proximity of fertile weedlines. Marine biologists have determined that Sargassum harbors over 100-species of fish and fungi, as well as over 145-species of marine invertebrates. Of all the fish that inhabit weedlines, filefish are the most common individuals, along with 21-species of jack and 15-species of triggerfish which also reside in these vegetative structures during at least one stage in their life cycle. Anglers need to keep in mind that these species make up the primary forage of many pelagic predators, primarily dolphin.

Generally, smaller organisms such as the Sargassum crab, frogfish, porcupine fish, butterfish, filefish, Sargassum nudibrach, Sargassum shrimp, triggerfish and larval game fish, hide in the foliage of the upper portion of the Sargassum – all occupy a position in the food chain. Slightly beneath and in the shade of Sargassum, larger bar jack, tripletail, Spanish sardine, ballyhoo, scad, blue-runner, and flying-fish call this unique ecosystem home. Predatory game fish including dolphin, wahoo, tuna and billfish can be found even deeper in the water column waiting for their chance at an unsuspecting meal.

It is important to understand that many of the species associated with Sargassum are temporary residents seeking refuge during periodic stages in their life cycle, and routinely visit other types of flotsam and fish aggregating devices. Most of the organisms that live in or around Sargassum are generalists, meaning they survive by making use of whatever food sources are available. In this “floating-forest” ecosystem, there are no organisms that are strict herbivores, but rather omnivores that switch between carnivorous and herbivorous diets.

The Sargasso Sea and its effects on Sport Fishing

Dense weedlines that pique the interest of offshore anglers are derived from the Sargasso Sea, an area in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean bordered by the Gulf Stream Current, the North Atlantic Current, the North Equatorial Current, and the Canary Current. The clockwise circulation of the North Atlantic Gyre holds approximately 7,000,000 tons of weed in the Sargasso Sea, and depending on the currents, thick groupings of Sargassum will appear off Florida’s coastline in varying amounts.

The Sargasso Sea covers approximately 2,000,000 square-miles, and without this complex habitat of floating algae, the open-Atlantic would be no more than a watery-desert. In this desolate stretch of blue water there are very limited amounts of dissolved nutrients available and Sargassum is highly dependent on these nutrients for survival. We are all quite aware of the fact that Sargassum weed offers refuge to numerous species of organisms, but one fact you may not know is that the organisms that call weedlines home produce beneficial wastes that are composed of both phosphates and nitrates. These wastes provide Sargassum with the essential nutrients the weed needs for survival. This alliance which benefits both parties is referred to as a symbiotic relationship.

Match the Hatch

Although I don’t recommend heading offshore without a supply of live bait, you can find frisky forage directly in the strike-zone – under well-formed weedlines. However, don’t be under the impression that all weedlines are stacked with large amounts of live bait, because they aren’t. A key element to look for is vibrant, brightly-colored weedlines. And if you spot circling and/or diving birds near the vicinity of a well-formed weedline, it is certainly safe to assume that bait and game fish aren’t too far away. This is when a shiny Sabiki rig worked just under the floating mats will quickly procure an ample supply of prime hook baits – hook baits that most blue water anglers continue to overlook in their quest for the ideal offering. Good luck and see you out there…