Miami, Florida - Offshore

West and southwesterly winds have been putting a damper on the offshore fishing scene. Dolphin have been making brief showings and encouraging action, but it only lasts for a day or two before they move on. The westerly winds are not conducive for building weedlines which can congregate the Dolphin. However, you will hear great reports from certain areas. This past week Palm Beach saw great Dolphin fishing. I received a report of a Dolphin over seventy pounds being caught there this week! If we can get a sustained period of light winds out of the east to southeast, then expect to see a good push of Dolphin offshore. Weedlines will start to form and bring in the Dolphin. Petrals have already been seeing diving on schools of Dolphin and their presence should increase in the next few weeks. I have seen Frigate birds working the edge of the Gulf Stream in the morning on big Dolphin. One angler found two Frigates offshore , 17 miles out, and encountered excellent Dolphin fishing beneath them. Sailfish are still around but are beginning to diminish. They can still be found along the edge and be caught using live bait. Kingfishing is good. Captain Jimbo Thomas, captain of the Thomas Flyer, reported catching his limit of Kingfish, and all of his fish were from 10 to 15 pounds. ( His limit that day was 12 fish). The area of the “boil” off Government Cut has been good. The next full moon in May should bring excellent Mutton Snapper fishing. This is the time of year when the Muttons will begin to spawn. There are known areas where they will congregate during spawning. However, these are not the only places they can be caught. They are on the move, and almost any wreck or good bottom will have Muttons moving around them. Early morning and late afternoon should be better. Live bait will put the bulk of the fish in the box, however, a jig and Ballyho rig can work wonders on Muttons and about every other fish around them. 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.