Miami, Florida - Offshore

Are the Blue Marlin running? A few Marlin in the 300 pound class were reported being caught this past week. One fish was released during the Don Shula Coco Plum Invitational Sailfish Tournament. Another fish was reported to me by Crasm1 by e-mail. He was fishing off Taverneir and reported two Wahoo approximately 25 pounds each. He then ran offshore and found plenty of Blackfin Tuna and a Yellowfin Tuna. He then ran to the Hump off Islamorada and caught plenty of small Blackfin Tuna and decided to drop a Speedo down deep in hopes of catching a big Amberjack. They ran out of Speedo’s and dropped down a small lively Blackfin Tuna. It didn’t take long to hook up. The crew of four struggled forever with a very large fish that they assumed was a big shark. To their surprise the “shark” broke water and became a Blue Marlin! He didn’t tell me whether they ever brought the fish to the boat, but none-the-less, it was a Blue Marlin. It’s not uncommon to find Blue Marlin offshore this time of the year. They will start following the Tuna and Dolphin that will be moving into our area this month and next. I honestly think there are quite a few Marlin offshore the Miami area this time of year, it’s just that no one spends the time to fish for them. Most of the action this time of year is in close along the edge where the kite fisherman are trying for Sails. I’m sure if enough anglers trolled bigger lures off Miami, specifically trying to catch Marlin they would be surprised! Along the edge this week fishing was good. During the weekend south and southwesterly winds were not the perfect conditions for Sailfishing. However, the Sailfishing picked up on Sunday during the Coco Plum Tournament. Fifty seven fish were caught on Saturday and sixty six fish were caught on Sunday. Most of the action was reported between the Monument Buoy of Key Biscayne and the Sea Buoy off Government Cut. As of this writing we just had a cold front come through and the winds are howling out of the northeast. I expect awsome action this week for Sailfish. Dolphin are becoming increasing popular. Larger fish are being caught everyday. 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 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.