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"Yellowtail Time!"
Updated October 3, 2000
Fall usually means the Snapper bite is on in the Keys and this year has proven that over again. Nice numbers of
big "flag" Yellowtail Snappers have been showing up on the reef lately. Look for the great eating 'Tails
to be in 60-100ft depths on the edge of the reef. Smaller but still some keeper sized Yellowtail (12"+) are
usually on the shallower reef from 20-50ft. Best way to target Yellowtail is to use a variety of chums to attract
the fish to the boat. Then use a small #1 to #4 sized hook with a small piece of cut Bonito, Shrimp, Glass Minnows,
Squid, or Silversides. Use little to no weight and light weight leader of 12-20lb. test. Fluorocarbon has come
to the surface as the leader of choice among most charter Capts. in the Keys. Also a gray colored leader seems
to work well, such as Jin Kai, or Silver Thread in 15-17lb. test. Let the bait drift back in the chum offering
no resistance. Once the line starts ripping off fast, start winding fast!! Then try to get that 'Tail in quick
before the Bull Sharks come in to feast on your hooked up fish!
Usually when there is good Yellowtail action on the reef, the Sharks
aren't too far behind. Large Bull Sharks tend to hang out around the schools of Yellowtail, and are attracted by
the chumming of the Yellowtail fishermen. Once you "hook up" the shark is triggered into feeding mode
by the underwater "scream" your hooked up fish is emitting. They pick up on the vibrations of distress
and zero in on the target which is your Yellowtail. So work 'em in quick as you can, and keep that heavy rod handy
if you want to do battle with one big Bull Shark. Some of our hardy anglers like to battle these big beasts and
a 300lb. Bull will give you a big time fight even on 50lb tackle! Use a whole live Yellowtail or Bonito if you
have one and some heavy wire leader #14-19 with a 12/0 hook or larger.
Still a few Dolphin showing up on the offshore scene but are very spotty
compared to the hot bite all summer. Some Blackfin Tuna still showing at the Humps and at the 30 mile range offshore.
Some nice King mackeral, Amberjacks, Cobias, Grouper, and Mutton Snapper are showing on the Oceanside wrecks along
with an occasional African Pompano. Bayside wrecks producing Mangrove Snappers, a few Cobia and Permit.
Inshore fishing has been good for Small Tarpon and some Snook after dark.
Also some large Barracudas, Jacks, Groupers and Snappers hanging out around the bridges. Some small Tarpon can
also be found around canals and beaches. Fish around dusk or after dark and use live Pinfish or Shrimp or try casting
plugs. Flats guides are reporting good numbers of Bonefish and Permit on the flats and a few Tarpon still around.
Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
e-mail - fish@sundancesportfishing.com
www.sundancesportfishing.com
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