Sailfish Bite Rolls On!
Capt. Bob Brown
December 19, 2008
Marathon - Saltwater Fishing Report
The sailfishing in the middle keys continues to be fantastic! This week there were lots of fish both on the reef edge and a bit off of the reef in 150-250ft of water. Up on the reef edge chasing ballyhoo have been lots of smaller sails. Out off the edge of the reef in 100-250ft of water there have been some larger fish balling up schools of sardines and the action has been fast and furious when finding the bait balls. In the Islamorada sailfish tournament last week, 30 boats released over 400 sails in the three day event! That is some hot fishing! Then in the one day tournament hosted by the Islamorada fishing club Capt Mary Lewis caught 17 sails to win that one day tournament! Off of Marathon, there have been some bait balls as well and some multi fish hook ups from Sombrero reef down to Looe Key. Some Blackfin tuna has also been around in the mix and plenty of winter time Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)lately as the gulf stream has been right in on the reef edge. Plenty of Frigate birds working pairs and small schools of Mahi chasing flying fish and some birds hovering over the bait balls. So work the birds and you will score big this week!
The hard running easterly current has been running up into the wind making the conditions difficult for yellowtail fishing, but some big King Mackerel have moved in to take over the action and help out charter capts make a great day of fishing for clients.
Spanish Mackerel have been ruling the Florida Bay inshore scene with action rediculous out there! In fact trying to get away from the macks to catch some snapper has been difficult north of Marathon. Good snapper fishing has been happening over around the islands NW of Marathon like East Bahia Honda. Some large sharks have been around as well. There have been plenty of Cobia out on the gulfside wrecks a bit further out, along with some large goliath grouper and a few Permit.
The fishing here in the Keys has been flat out fantastic lately so come on down and enjoy some of the great action the middle Keys and Marathon area has to offer. If you would like more info on fishing in Marathon and the middle Keys, check out our web site. Good luck in all your fishing adventures!
Capt Bob Brown, Jr.
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