Good Inshore and Offshore Fishing

Report Date: February 4, 2016

I started the first of the month doing some inshore fishing trips. I keep hearing of how poor the tarpon fishing is down south in Govt. Cut so I decided to fish my backyard in Broward County. The plan of attack was to hit some bridges and dock lights with live shrimp. As most of you know, inshore fishing has a lot to do with tidal movement. Unfortunately, the first part of the night was very slow moving tide (almost slack) which is not good. The people were beginning to get worried but I told them to have patience. About an hour after the tide our luck started to change. We were catching moonfish, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle but no tarpon yet. This was the target specie. So I went to a spot that I haven’t fished in several months. The first cast was a nice tarpon, followed by another one. The night was then completed and everyone was happy.

A few nights later I did the same thing and was successful once again with one for two tarpon, many jacks, snapper, and moonfish.

It was now time to head offshore. The next trip was a swordfish trip and the weather was perfect. Light north winds with a big swell, my favorite. We got out kind of late that morning and the first two drops were unsuccessful. The next drop was even more unsuccessful when I lost most of my braided line to the bottom. Being a bit frustrated we fired another rod down right away. It was then when our luck changed. I look on the surface and see a nice 15lb mahi charging our flatline. We caught it rather quickly when I looked out the corner of my eye and saw the bottom rod doubled over. Twenty minutes later we had a 120 lb swordfish to the boat, gaffed and landed shortly after - another successful trip.

The reef has come to life over the past few weeks with lots of mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish, bonita,spanish mackeral and even a few cobia. The wrecks have been active with almaco jacks, red snappers, vermillion snappers, and big sharks.

  On the shallow reefs, the Spanish mackerel have finally made it to town. When the conditions are right we have been catching our limit. These fish are a blast to catch on light tackle and great for beginners and small children!

  Next week is the boat show and I still have several trips available. If you would like to get your feet wet and get on some of this hot action now is the time.

Tight lines,
Capt. Fred David

 

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