The tuna bite has been great. Early morning and late afternoon have been productive for tuna fishing. Sometimes I prefer the afternoon because there’s so much less boat traffic.
Blackfin have been chewing consistently on the Islamorada hump and 409 hump. The schools of dolphin have thinned out but more quality sized dolphin are coming up when you find them. Big sargassum mats starting in 600 feet and debris have been holding dolphin and even some tripletail.
Reef fishing within 60 to 80 feet has been good for yellowtail snapper. Cero mackerel are starting to show up in the slick and big bonitas were smoking live cigars on the flatline. Even though big bonitas aren’t a great fish to eat, they fight hard and make good bait. Even if you don’t have the whole day to fish, you can put together a nice catch in a half day trip.
FISH TIP
Sargassum mats offer fishing opportunities. They act as a mobile floating ecosystem, attracting various fish species like mahi.
FISH FACT
Per Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the daily bag limit for tripletail is two per person. The minimum size limit is 18 inches. Legal gear: hook and line gear only (no nets or spearing).
