When the weather allows, mahi fishing has been very good offshore of Key Biscayne. Mahi in sizes from schoolie to gaffer have been chasing schools of flying fish and ballyhoo.
Fishermen have been looking for frigate birds diving to the surface and then racing to the activity to find small groups of hungry mahi. These fish are showing up in depths from 40-300 feet of water.
Sailfish and bonita’s have been doing the same thing. A few kingfish, Spanish and cero mackerel are being caught along the outer reef. Anchoring in 100 feet of water and chumming with live pilchards has brought the kings and mackerels to the boat. Trolling silver or blue drone spoons tipped with a strip of bonito belly just outside the reef is getting the bites. Using a planer can get that bait deeper and often results in many more strikes. A few wahoo have been caught this way.
Bottom fishermen have been doing well on mutton and yellowtail snappers. These fish are being found on the outside of the outer reef over hard bottom or over artificial reefs. Live ballyhoos, pilchards and cut baits have been getting the strikes.
With the crazy violent weather we have been experiencing, go to your favorite marine weather app before you head out.
Capt. Alan Sherman, who operates “Get Em” Sportfishing Charters, has been leading fishing charters in South Florida for 30+ years. He can be reached here or by calling (786) 436-2064.