Marathon, Florida Keys

Blackfins Biting Nice sized Blackfin Tuna have been on the bite off the west hump offshore of Marathon here in the middle keys lately. Trolling feathers, cedar plugs and Billy baits have been producing the best results with some fish up to 25lb hitting the Marathon docks. Most of the Tuna have been in the 10-15lb class however and are mixed in with some Skipjack Tuna, Bonito and an occasional Yellowfin when venturing further offshore. A few nice Wahoo have been accidentally showing up in the spread as well along with a Sailfish or two. Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) remains a bit slow around the middle Keys however. This may be due to the unusually hot summer allowing the fish to migrate further north to follow the baitfish migrations to cooler waters. The Dolphin bite will improve as cooler weather starts to hit the northern states in the next month or two. Reef fishing for Snapper and Grouper has been a night time affair lately with the only good catches coming after dark. Water temps in the 90 degree range have the reef fish on night patrol and laying low in the daytime. Best to get out around dusk and fish until the stars tell you to go home.... Good luck in all your fishing adventures! Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.