Offshore
Persistent offshore wind early in the week from another front made for spotty aolphin catches. During the second half of the week, the wind blew hard onshore. The result was, some boats stayed tied up to the dock, and the ones that went offshore had decent catches of Dolphin. Many charterboats stayed on the Hump and caught amberjack. May 1st begins the commercial amberjack season, so the AJ’s will not be so prolific next week!
Reefs
Capt. John on the Suzanne hit the reef and caught a bunch of nice yellowtail snapper along with a couple of mutton snapper. Lo and behold, even a few sailfish were caught this week. Inshore the Permit are holding on the coral heads just off the islands.
Gulf and Bay
Tarpon fishing is in full swing, and catches are good when the weather moderates. One very large hammerhead shark is reported to be in charge and reeking havoc on tarpon in the channels west of town. Not many captains are exploring the western edge of the bay for tarpon, but with milder weaterh the fringes of Florida Bay should be the hot spot for the big silver kings. The banks and grass lakes in Florida Bay are thick with nice sea trout along with jack crevelle and ladyfish.
Flats, Backcountry and Flaming
Snook fishing has been excellent in the Flamingo area reports Capt. Gary Rehm from World Wide Sportsman. Bonefish catches have been spotty according to Cap.t Jim Lozar from the Lorelei dock. With the water temperatures up around the bonefish comfort zone finally, all that is needed is the wind to lie down and the bones’ should begin to feed with reckless abandon.
