by Tom Greene
This time of year, and for the next 2-3 months everybody’s chasing the elusive wahoo, and sailfish. The fish are biting and therefore much easier to catch. I’m getting calls from fishermen who say “it’s just too easy”. The bite is so good you can actually predict what you’re going to catch. Just know the right bait, lures, and tides. The start of the outgoing tide is the best time to fish.
Your bait needs to be under the water surface for wahoo, about 3-6 inches down. Fish like kingfish, Spanish mackerel, can hit bait above the surface as they come up in the water underneath the bait and then explode out of the water.
These wahoo are weighing in at 30-50 pounds and they are thicker today than they were 30-40 years ago. Maybe we’ve learned some things over the years to make this fish more plentiful.
We are entering sailfish season and we’ll see all the small and large boat tournaments. Also, you may have friends and relatives coming in over the holidays and they’ll want to go offshore and catch sailfish. You’ll find them in 120-150 feet of water. The wahoo and sailfish love the bullet bonitas. You can catch these bullet bonitas on a goggle-eye rig or feather rig.
We’re also seeing a late dolphin bite this year and it should continue into February and March. We’re seeing a lot of 15-20 pounders and some up to 50 pounds. Snook season is now open and you can keep one a day. At all of the bridges and piers, beaches and inlets — there’s still a lot of mullet around as well as pilchards and silver sides — a lot of bait fish around.
So catch your bait, pick your tides and conditions, and go out and catch some fish. Tight lines and good fishing!
Your number 1 source in South Florida for fishing tackle and advice is Custom Rod and Reel in Lighthouse Point. Stop by or call 954-781-5600 anytime. The experienced staff there are ready to help you make the most of your fishing adventures.
