Fishing Report:
September 2011
TARGET SPECIES FOR THE MONTH
With the October water temps in the Gulf of Mexico begining to cool off a bit into the low 80's, watch for a passing Mahi Mahi or a school to greet you while bottom fishing. Westcoast dolphin have been ranging between 5-8lbs. Eastcoast action has slowed down with the late summer heat, but passing single fish off the kite have been to 18lbs. Amberjack to 60lbs. are in full swing, out beyond the 160' mark. Slow troll or free line medium to large bluerunners to begin, large 50lbs + fish have been caught by our crew trolling large lures. You wont be disappointed. Dont forget about the downrigger- always a helpful tool for wahoo or tunas when trolling, slow troll live bait!!! Kite fishing is a must this time of year for any passing pelagics. Wahoo and sailfish on the west or eastcoasts. On Florida's westcoast, concentrate your efforts over large springs in the 160' to 320' range. Kingfish will begin their southern migration this month... enjoy the action!!!
The season is closed for American Red Snapper!!! Hefty fines have been given out by FWC for those found in possession. Remember your limits and laws or FWC will remind you..
Grouper catches have been consistant between 145' - 280' ft of water and remember to lock down those drags. 80 TO 100lbs mono or 65lb braid will be sufficient for whatever may be waiting for you. Catching bait has been best for us in the morning as the sun is rising around channel markers and bouys. Fresh bait is always a plus- never leave home without a few dozen livies in the well!!!
Catches on the REEL NAUTI in August / September so far have included gag and red grouper to 28 lbs and amberjacks to 60 lbs. and small schoolie dolphin (5-8lbs) in the GOM. We are tossing back 60+ Red snapper a trip-YES... this is sad!!! Remember to vent these fish.For you adventurous fisherman-loosen the drags and drift live bait or fly the kites in 80'-240' of water to try a shot at a transiant pelagic like sailfish. Our crew has released 2 nice sailfish this summer while spring hopping for yellowtail and mangos off the Tampa bay area. Fly those kites!!! Large kingfish are still here out beyond 200'. Livebait with first light of the day. Florocarbon and circle hooks will catch plenty. Scale down yout tackle for more action. Enjoy and stay safe...
Just ate the kite bait Another great memory!!!
"FISH HARD or STAY HOME"