Miami, Florida - Offshore

The recent beautiful weather we have been having has not only been bringing out the fisherman, but it has also been bringing in the Dolphin. March can be an excellent month for Dolphin fisherman. Some years Dolphin will make an early showing and can be an easy target in March. They also can be very large. This past week anglers found Dolphin in close along the edge as well as offshore on weedlines. Most of the fish were schoolies. One angler reported finding a large piece of wood offshore that was loaded with 6 to 10 pound Dolphin. He caught fish until his arms got tired. A weedline was also reported out in 1200 feet of water. Fisherman trolling the line found a decent supply of Dolphin. This time of year the winds will be changing direction quite frequently and the lines will break up, only lasting for a day or two. Sailfishing is still good along the edge. On Saturday the clear blue water was in close along the reef. The winds were out of the South to Southwest, which set up a perfect drift for both kite fishing and bottom fishing as well. The anglers aboard the “Magic Fingers” released 3 Sailfish during the day, and found the bottom feeders to be active. Drifting north of Triumph Reef in 130 feet of water, fishing live Pilchards along the bottom, my crew of three caught three Mutton Snapper up to 15 pounds, three Grouper, and three Dolphin, along with the three Sailfish we caught off the kite. ( you think my lotto ticket had any 3’s in it that night?) Larger Kingfish were found along the reef especially to the north off Miami Beach. Kings in the 30 to 40 pound class were hitting live baits fished for Sails. Bonita were prevelant in the same area. They have been cruising the edge in 100 to 120 feet of water in search of bait. Keep you eyes peeled for Cobia. They will be found following rays, turtles, and Whale Sharks this time of year. They are especially fond of the Leatherback Turtle. April 30th is the date for this years, David and Mary Alper Grand Dolphin Fishing Tournament. There will be $5500 in prize money. $ 300.00 entry fee per boat. Weigh-in will be at the Jewish Community Center on 11155 SW 112 Ave in south Dade. For more information call 305-271-9000 ext 241. Professional captains are welcome! Biscayne Bay Fly Shop, located at 8243 South Dixie Highway, Miami, will be hosting a Fly Fishing Seminar with Captain Rick Murphy, famous for his ESPN Sportsman’s Adventures, on March 11, time and price to be announced. And on March 25th and 26th, Chico Fernandez, renowned author and master fly-fisherman, will give a two day, one on one, fly fishing class which will include breakfast and lunch both days. Cost will be $375.00. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm free fly tying classes will be given by resident expert Jesus Quintino. For more information call 305-669-5851. On Thursday nights, from 7pm to 8pm, at the Old Cutler Raw Bar, South Dixie Highway and SW 184 Street, come listen to “Fishing South Florida Style”. This is an hour long live radio show hosted by Mike Pace, Captain Rob Fordyce, Captain Marty Locke, and Captain Mark Houghtaling. Offshore and inshore fishing topics are covered during the live radio broadcast, and you can pick up a few tips from the radio hosts after the show. You can also catch the show on Thunder Country 100.3 FM. Captain Mark Houghtaling wants to hear from you. Send him your latest catches and pictures to15920 SW 85 Ave. Miami, Fla. 33157, or E-Mail him at [email protected]. Capt Mark also has a charter fishing service ,you can call him at 305-253-1151 or check out his web page at http://www.magicfin.com For free safe boating and personal watercraft classes call the Coast Guard Auxiliary at 305-820-8411, or the United States Power Squadron at 305-238-4807.