Middle Keys

Fishing report for 4-22-09 from D. M. Navarro @ the World Class Angler in Marathon.

It is that time of year that we are getting into the D.T.’s. Yep, that’s right. Now is when just about all I am asked about is the D.T.’s from anglers either in the store or calling from far away places on the phone. “Are they there yet?

Can I get them now or should I wait another week or so? What should I use to get them?” Now before you think that I am working for AA or referring to another drinking problem, let me explain. Late April is the time for two species in particular to highlight almost every fisherman’s tongue; Dolphin and Tarpon. (Had you wondering, didn’t I?)

Both dolphin and tarpon are species that provide anglers with some of the best fighting available and both come into local waters in such numbers that everyone has a shot at catching them. It is not like going out for a marlin and hoping that you get to hook one but rather you expect to hook and catch more than a few. Dolphin in particular give you the shot at catching a big bull, (Male) or cow, (Female) while trolling and then enjoying the opportunity of catching numerous ‘schoolies’ that can accompany them as your work your prize to the boat. (PS, dolphin and cattle are about the only times you can call a female a cow in mixed company and remain standing during the conversation!)

We are just at the start of the big push of dolphin into local waters and as of late, the inside edge of the Gulfstream has remained fairly close to the reef line which has allowed many of the smaller boaters to venture into the areas where plenty of fish have been working through. As we get well into summer, the normal range for good action is 18 to 30 miles beyond the reef but for now, the action has been quite good within 10 miles of the edge of the reef with a few days of exceptional action only 3 miles out.

Of course, ballyhoo being trolled has remained the hottest item for capturing these nice fish and when I say nice fish, I am talking about a good number of dolphin brought in recently in the 20+ pound range. Several well over 40 were taken just last week. There are few species with this size that most any angler can target and expect to catch on a regular basis. What other species of fish can you get plenty of when the babies, (schoolies,) can be 4+ pounds? This provides you with an excellent species to target on light tackle and have a blast. We have a custom bead chain rig that makes rigging ballyhoo simple and easy while also getting the hook completely back in the bait which prevents any chance of a ‘cut off’ on the bait. It also gives you protection of being cut off by toothy critters such as wahoo or very large dolphin while giving you the flexibility of handling sailfish.

Oh the inshore front and being the ‘T’ of the D.T.’s, it is getting to be prime time for tarpon fishing throughout most of the Keys waters. Literally hundreds of tarpon have arrived in the past week or so around area bridge channels to go along with the numerous fish that are stalking the flats daily. At the channels, mornings and evenings are still the best time to get action while flats provide a good bet during the midday hours. Live mullet, live shrimp and live crabs are by far the best bait although plenty are taken on artificial lures. Understand that most small tarpon are 35+ pounds and the average this time of year is 80+ pounds. I don’t care where you are from, that is a big fish!

We have a couple of tarpon tournaments coming up that might interest you as well. The 43rd Annual Marathon International Tarpon Tournament will kick off for three evenings of fishing on April 30th and the Ladies will have their turn on May 9th & 10th with the 33rd Annual Ladies Tarpon Tournament. Both events are fishing for tarpon on 12 & 30 pound test line and open to everyone. We have information on both events at the store or by calling 305-743-6139. (Don’t just hear the rumors from these events, be one!)

The best thing about the D.T.’s is that you can do both in the same day. You can hit your favorite bridge channel in the early morning and then head out offshore for the dolphin and / or return after a day offshore to work for some tarpon in the evening. Either way, you cannot find too many places on this earth were you could go for big fish this close to home and actually expect to catch them on a daily basis. Just think, two big dolphin and two big tarpon and you have caught roughly over 200 pounds of fish in a day. Trust me that just kicks the ‘B’ out of bass!

Captain Dave Navarro is a lifelong resident of Marathon, Owner of the World Class Angler at our new location at 3740 Overseas Highway in Marathon and captain of the charter boat, “Dave’s Dream”