Fishing report for 7-7-08 from D. M. Navarro @ the World Class Angler in Marathon.  
 
The nice weather and calm seas has produced some fine catches lately for most anglers.  The ability for most craft to venture out over most of the local fishing grounds has been awarded with quite a bit more action as well.  The deep waters offshore, over 700 feet, has produced some very large dolphin, tunas, wahoo and more than a couple of 'David -Vs- Goliath' type stories.  Or if you prefer, 'The Old Man & the Sea.'

    The anglers that have been venturing well offshore have also been coming in contact, many not intentionally with billfish of rather large proportions.  That is not the same terminology that they used but I can't print what they said exactly.  When trolling with 20-pound test rigs, you are not anticipating hooking marlin over 300 pounds; at least not with reels with rather small amounts of line on them.  For the most part, the reports that I heard stated that the fish took care of the limited line in a very limited amount of time.  (To understand how fast it went and how loud the reel sang, just go to the highway and hook a Buick!)   

    Others that have hooked up with monsters recently have had a shot at a good fight, even on light tackle with a more substantial amount of line.  There were over eleven anglers that reported that they have caught, (brought to the boat and released,) blue marlin in the past several days.  This is quite a few but in these conditions it is not unlikely.  The fish are there and it only takes the time to go to where they live and a little bit of luck.  Most of the releases were estimated at less than 350 pounds, which is unusual for fishermen!  By the time they hit the dock, most big fish released have doubled if not tripled in size and swelled even more the next day or two.  (Remember, fishermen are overqualified to be politicians!)   

    All of this is not to say that there has not been any fish in closer to shore.  The areas inside of 700 feet have also been producing quite a few fish with some larger ones mixed in as well.  The main numbers of fish have been on the smaller side however.  The exception to this has been the wahoo that have been caught in the near shore area, from 150 to 350 feet of water.  There was also a run of sailfish one day last week along the 180 to 200 foot line.  Quite a few were hooked, caught or just spotted free jumping in this area.  Even though the big numbers of them are gone, there are still quite a few around and will be here all year.

    The reef has also been active with some good action even with the clear waters.  The best action by far has been in the evenings.  It is also much more comfortable as the daytime fishing with little or no wind gives you the feeling of being in your daughter's 'Easy Bake Oven!'  The action has varied from deep to rather shallow, depending on where you went along the reef line.  The sharper the drop off you can find the better results you will have.  Critters are abundant so use sturdy enough tackle to retrieve the fish in a timely manner or you may have them pre-filleted..  The use of frozen baits has been the choice of most.  Silversides have been the best to get good action.

     For more information on the snapper spawn, the summer tarpon fishing, offshore action as well as any other type of fishing, stop by and see us at our new location at 3740 Overseas Highway.  We are just east of Annette’s, (For those of you that know how to work a compass.)  We are in our new spiffy store where we now have live bait as well as all of the supplies you have come to know us for along with the one thing we always promise, Honest Advice!  

reach dave at worldclassan@comcast.net

Captain Dave Navarro is a lifelong resident of Marathon, Owner of the World Class Angler in Marathon and captain of the charter boat, “Dave’s Dream.”

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