Offshore The mahi or dolphin bite has been outstanding this last week. Either one can concentrate on the large schools of dolphin filling up the box or target the bigger fish solo and resulting in fewer fish. The blackfin tuna bite is good for the larger blackfins trolling in deeper water around schools if birds or hitting the humps for the smaller footballs.
Marlin action this past week has been nil! Of note are the migrating bluefins encountered last week in 10-12 foot seas. Boat maneuvering was a challenge getting in front of the speedy tunas. They averaged 300-500 lbs and were in two distinct schools in 1500-3000 feet of water. Unfortunately no hook ups were made. Of interesting note was Captain Jorge Pinero utilized a Bost Madeira number 55 as a teaser to tease in a 250 lb blue marlin on fly gear in Grand Cayman the week before last making a record for Capt Pinero on subduing the blue in 45min on 20 lb tippet under IGFA rules. He used his favorite marlin flyfishing set up of a Biscayne Rod Heavy 13 wt Penn 4.0 Reel and his hand tied popper flies. In addition he caught yellowfin tuna, rainbow runner and mahi all on fly and all were released. Reef and Inshore The yellowtail and mangrove snapper bite is off the charts. Both deeper reef and patch reefs are producing fish. The grouper are a bit more wary than the earlier in May while still clumped up in their spawning jaunts. Daytime fishing requires the use of light flourocarbon of 8 lbs though resulting in break offs from the larger fish. On his outings limits of snapper are taken in an hour or less. Flats and Near Shore Flats Tarpon are still the primary fish being taken. Last week a Canadian client caught IGFA legal 180 lb tarpon after the leader was touched twice. A smaller 80 lb tarpon released resulted un a 2/2 in the morning tide. Huge barracuda have been caught as well as a huge Spanish Mackerel estimated at 18-20 lbs on a big live mullet while fishing for tarpon. The permit are in good numbers as well as the occasional big bonefish on the ocean flats providing great fishing for the light tackle or fly enthusiast. If you want to schedule a great fishing charter contact Upper Keys Sport Fishing for either offshore or tarpon charters. They live up to their motto "We put you on big fish on fly, light or conventional tackle" Call 305-509-7745
