Depending on what section of the coast you are fishing, the reports range from a struggle to some very good fishing. The springtime variety is definitely there with dolphin, kingfish, sailfish, and blackfin tuna. The inshore action for tarpon has cooled down dramatically. The size of the fish that are there is very good, however, the number of shots is not. Most evenings, we are having to wait until late in the dusk period before we have our first opportunity. Saturday (4/24) evening, as I mentioned above, we got our first and only fish late during the dusk period. The 110 pound fish ate a live crab and gave my angler all he could ever ask for. The jumps and screaming run toward the main channel had everyone on board jumping with excitement. Once in the Cut it became a slug it out battle. After 45 minutes, we had the pictures we wanted and I released the fish. The brief bite that took place had another boat getting 2 shots during the time we were fighting our fish. Then all became quiet. Sunday (4/25) morning, Fred & Eillen Clark from Ft. Myers took their 12 year old grandson, Jacob Whitney on his first fishing trip in the Atlantic Ocean. The E/ESE winds @ 14 - 18 MPH gave us some bumpy seas, but Jacob had no problems with it as he likes riding roller coasters. Our goal was to catch Jacob's first dolphin. On the first drift off Haulover, we had a sailfish eat the bluerunner on the kite. Everything went well until Jacob came tight on the fish. It made its first jump and gave us back an empty hook. Then at 162', a flatline got hit and we had the dolphin on. The fish made about 10 jumps to everyones delight. After putting the dolphin in the fishbox, Jacob remarked about his arms and hands being tired from the fight. We all know how quickly our young children recover and within minutes he was ready for some more action. The next drift gave us a double header dolphin and Fred fought one while Jacob muscled the other fish in. With the morning over, we headed in and Jacob is already talking with Grandma and Grandpa about his next trip. Monday (4/26) evening it was back to tarpon fishing. Once again, our first fish came late during the dusk period. Jim Lefevre's guest, Captain Rafael Apellaniz from Puerto Rico made quick work of the 60 pound tarpon, his first in Florida, but not before it made its way to the main channel just as a freighter was going out. Then the action got quiet for a long time. Late in the evening, we went over to the north side of Government Cut. The last drift before heading in did the trick and Jim worked his magic and showed the 80 pound tarpon who was boss. Both fish ate live crabs. We're at the time of the year when the afternoon/evening trip becomes very popular. You get to sleep in, head offshore in the afternoon for action on dolphin, sailfish, kingfish, and blackfin tuna, then as dusk comes on, head inshore for some tarpon action. It's the best of both (offshore and inshore) worlds. If this sounds good, give me a call and lets get out and get in on the action. Captain Dave
troycreasy