SUMMERTIME IS HERE and the FISHING IS HOT!
The offshore fishing for mahi mahi is excellent. Our day starts with gathering some live baits and then pushing out deep looking for weedlines, current edges, and working birds. The birds are our eyes in the sky and they will put you in the meat.
Frigate birds, terns, gannets, and shearwaters are all our allies when it comes to finding fish. Birds that seem to be picking in one area, typically headed southwest, are almost certainly on schooled-up mahi. Trolling in and around the birds, or casting ballyhoo, squid, or live baits at the working birds, will surely get you bit. Take advantage when you hook one to try and hook several fish, because they are usually in large schools.
Trolling dead baits and feathers around our offshore seamounts should produce some blackfin, skipjack and tuna bites. Also, the wahoo trolling early or late in the day during low light can be highly effective.
When trolling slows down, sending multiple hook rigs with squid and cut bait down to the depths can yield delicious deep-drop species. Dropping anywhere from 400’-1000’ can yield tilefish, queen snappers, barrel fish, snowy and yellow edge groupers. All of these deep-water fish make for excellent table fare.
Swordfishing in the summertime is my favorite for the fact that catching mahi and tuna on the way to the sword grounds can be excellent. You can fish your way out there and fish your way home.
The opportunities are unlimited in the summertime. From reef fishing to swordfishing, be prepared for everything and we’ll see you out there!
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Capt. Ross Early
Author
Fishing in Islamorada has given me the opportunity to fish among some of the best offshore fisherman and mates in the world. Allow me to share some of my knowledge of the local waters and a few tricks on catching fish aboard my charterboat, EarlyBird. 305-942-3618 fishearlybird.com