The Dance of the Tarpon Â
BEST BETS
Captain Eric Bass out of Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada took captain Jimbo Thomas of Miami and his brother-in-law Rodney Ficus from Hunter, Texas, across Florida Bay to East Cape Canal, Frank Key and Snake Bight where the anglers caught tarpon to 40 pounds, more than 20 snook, 10 redfish, five goliath groupers, sea trout, snappers, a 200-pound bull shark and loads of ladyfish and jack crevalles plus the ever present catfish.
MIAMI DADE/BROWARD
Captain Quinton Deiterle on the cutting Edge out of Crandon Park Marina reports hot action on kingfish from small undersized fish to 30 pounders plus some sailfish. His action has been off of Fowey Light in depths from 200 feet into the reef.
KEYS
Captain William Hauck on the party boat Sea King out of Marathon reports very good yellowtail action in depths of 40 to 100 feet of water and the fish are averaging 1 ½ to five pounds. Rick Berry of Islamorada reports offshore boats continue to do well on blackfin tuna to 20 pounds off the Hump and a few dolphins outside of 400 feet.
TREASURE COAST
Captain Kevin Drennan of Slammer Guide Service out of Stuart reports offshore fishing has taken a turn for the better with scattered dolphin action, limits of kingfish, and a good amount of sailfish from 120 feet out, black tip sharks and loads of threadfin herring for bait.
FLORIDA BAY
Captain Bob LeMay reports that fishing from East Cape Canal to Lostman’s River has really turned on with snook and redfish holding around Gulf side shorelines, creek mouths and beaches. Lots of sharks have been in the area as well.
SOUTHWEST COAST
Captain Scott Hughs of Blackwater Charters out of Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda reports excellent tarpon fishing on the mouths of outside creeks and rivers.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Lake Okeechobee stood at 9.56 feet. Nicole Tharp of Sawgrass Recreation Park reports that a few peacock bass were caught in the east canal along with some largemouth bass. Water levels are raising in the conservation areas. Nick Campbell and Desiree Dickins from Tavernier caught more than 50 largemouth and peacock bass on live shiners fishing local lakes and canals. Their guide was captain Jim Anson.
Compiled by: CAPT. ALAN SHERMAN
