Winds were up this past week and it made for happy fish.  The seas were a little lumpy but there were plenty of places to hide from the wind and have a good day.  Our little part of the word offers fantastic fishing possibilities no matter the winds.  There are good choices no matter the direction and intensity of the wind.

            We spent two days in the gulf hiding from strong SE winds.  We found big sharks more than eager to eat our bonito sides.  Shark fishing is a blast when you use the appropriate tackle.  I like to keep a few spinning outfits loaded with braid.  I keep one thirty pound outfit with a short leader and a small piece of bait at the ready for smaller sharks. 

            The near shore gulf wrecks are still holding a few cobias.  Most of these fish are below legal size but still a lot of fun to catch.  These fish pounced on small jigs with a live pinfish.  Hooked fish are likely to have friends following them so try tossing a fly to increase the fun factor.  The bottom rods stayed busy with goliath grouper.  These fish are about as tough as any fish gets.  When it comes to tackle go big or go home.  Locked down drags are a must to prevent these fish from making it back home.  Over rig everything; large hooks, heavy leader with crimps and strong swivels will increase your odds. 

            Reef fishing was active despite the roaring current.  The current was strong enough to swing the boat into the wind.  There were some nice yellowtails out there if you had enough chum.  It takes a little time to get the fish up to the boat when the current is fast flowing.  Try using a little weight such as the Hank Brown or Calcutta jig heads to help get your bait down to the fish.  The bottom bite was also good with a few nice grouper.  It took nearly a pound of weight to get the bait down.  It looks like this next week will be a good time to drift and jig the reef.  If the winds come down plan a night trip to the reef for some big yellowtails and mangrove snapper.  These guys love biting at night and it is a great way to avoid the midday heat.

            Dolphin are pushing through in good numbers now that the Gulf Stream is back in.  These fish have been in close saving a little gas money.  Most of the fish are on the smaller side but plenty of keepers and a few quality fish.  I like to troll ballyhoo along good looking water while keeping a few pitch baits on hand.  A bag full of frozen majua will keep the school interested long enough to see if there is a big bull in the area.  8-12 lb spinning outfits or light fly rods keeps things interesting when playing with schoolies.  Be sure to have at least one heavy rod on hand for a big fish.  Whole flying fish and live pinfish are my go to bait for big dolphin.  Keep a small tuna feather on your shot gun in case there are any big blackfin in the vicinity.  Good luck and good fishing.

Below is Bo Stanfor with a 97lb swordfish caught daytime swording in 1600ft.

Bo Stanfor with a 97lb swordfish caught daytime swording in 1600ft. 

Last Cast Charters
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www.lastcastcharters.net
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