This week brought fairly calm seas and very little current, creating comfortable conditions for most of our trips. Fishing was somewhat slower early in the week, mainly due to the lack of current, but once we were able to get quality live bait and establish a good spread while trolling the reef, the bite improved noticeably.
Slow trolling live bait and kite fishing proved to be the most effective techniques. When we had the right bait and positioning, we were able to connect with several Sailfish, showing that even on slower weeks, dialing in presentation and timing can make all...
Will D.
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaReported 4 months ago
This week brought fairly calm seas and very little current, creating comfortable conditions for most of our trips. Fishing was somewhat slower early in the week, mainly due to the lack of current, but once we were able to get quality live bait and establish a good spread while trolling the reef, the bite improved noticeably.
Slow trolling live bait and kite fishing proved to be the most effective techniques. When we had the right bait and positioning, we were able to connect with several Sailfish, showing that even on slower weeks, dialing in presentation and timing can make all the difference.
We also had a few Blackfin Tuna around, along with some medium-sized Bonitas, providing steady action. One of the standout fish was a 20 lb Blackfin Tuna that put up quite the fight, making several strong runs before finally coming to the boat. In addition, we caught a few Mahi, mostly on the smaller side, but still great fights and a welcome surprise this time of year.
Snapper fishing in deeper water has been effective as well, giving us another option when the trolling bite slows down.
As water temperatures continue to warm, the fishing should heat up right along with them.
Chilly weather has the peacocks shut down, but the largemouth and hybrids are keeping the rods bent all day long. Warmer weather and hungry peacocks on the horizon!
Ricky M.
West Palm Beach, FloridaReported 5 months ago
Chilly weather has the peacocks shut down, but the largemouth and hybrids are keeping the rods bent all day long. Warmer weather and hungry peacocks on the horizon!
Colder water temperatures this week signaled the start of our winter pattern, and with winter comes cold fronts that push in bait and bring some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Conditions varied throughout the week, with sea states ranging from very calm to around 4-foot seas. Currents also changed daily, from little to no current to a strong north current. On our most productive day, we had a south current moving about 1.5 knots, which helped set up an excellent troll.
The highlights of the week were landing a Sailfish trolling in 120 feet of water, catching...
Will D.
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaReported 5 months ago
Colder water temperatures this week signaled the start of our winter pattern, and with winter comes cold fronts that push in bait and bring some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Conditions varied throughout the week, with sea states ranging from very calm to around 4-foot seas. Currents also changed daily, from little to no current to a strong north current. On our most productive day, we had a south current moving about 1.5 knots, which helped set up an excellent troll.
The highlights of the week were landing a Sailfish trolling in 120 feet of water, catching a 20.5 lb King Mackerel on a blue diamond spoon in 170 feet, and an unforgettable encounter with a Dusky Shark that was tagged and released. These are the kinds of catches that make winter one of our favorite times of year to be on the water.
Blackfin Tuna have been showing up more consistently, especially in the afternoons and during cloudy mornings. Most of the Blackfins were caught while trolling dinks and spoons, and this trolling pattern has been steadily improving as water temperatures continue to drop.
Looking ahead, with the full moon approaching, there’s a good chance we’ll start seeing Wahoo show up, either trolling or on live bait, as they typically bite well around this phase. While offshore trolling has been trending upward, bottom fishing on the reef has been slightly challenging, requiring adjustments day to day.
Overall, the combination of colder temperatures and winter cold fronts is setting the stage for an exciting stretch
Despite the cooler water temperatures fish are still feeding. Working the deeper water and then solid concrete structures (outside bridges, spillways, etc) once the sun is up seems to be the best bet
Brian K.
Delray Beach, FloridaReported 5 months ago
Despite the cooler water temperatures fish are still feeding. Working the deeper water and then solid concrete structures (outside bridges, spillways, etc) once the sun is up seems to be the best bet
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Had a great day with Captain Jose! We fished the Everglades and caught large mouth bass, cichlids, and even a peacock! Thanks Jose you are a great guide, very knowledgeable!
It was a good time, everyone landed fish TJ was very pleasant to work with. I’m sure we will be looking to get back out with him on our next fishing trip
Jose was an excellent guide and put us on a ton of fish and was very accommodating when we were running alittle behind. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to get out on the water and having a goodtime.
Timothy was awesome!! Super knowledgeable of the water, gave great instructive criticism. Collectively we hauled in 15+ fish on a 4 hour charter and had a blast doing it. Without a doubt, I would book another charter with Timothy.
He was very knowledgeable about where to go fishing and when we followed his suggestions, we caught fish. He was really laid-back and cool. And he was quick to help net the fish and bait the hook. We got our target species as well as more. I would 100% recommend Jose for anyone who wants to go fishing.
My family and I had a freaking BLAST with Captain Carlos and Reefs to Rivers! He is an absolute professional; very competent, extremely knowledgeable, and great with kids (even a 5 year old little girl who couldn’t have cared less about hunting iguanas - he made her the official “retriever,” which she loved lol). Carlos put us on tons of iguanas and the action was hot and heavy. We added this hunt onto the tail end of a Disney trip and my 10 year old son said it was better than anything we experienced at Disney. Highly recommend to anyone looking to give iguana hunting a shot (pun intended). We will be booking with Captain Carlos again soon - he is the real deal.
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