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"Sailfish Season Again!" And
"Happy Thanksgiving From Captain Bob Brown, Jr."
Updated November 27, 2000
Gary And Peggy Hopp Recently Caught This Sail Aboard The Sundance
November usually ushers in the unofficial start of the Sailfish season
in the Florida Keys. Even though Sailfish can be caught year round in the Keys, the winter months are regarded
as the "peak" time. November has traditionally been a good time for Sails as most Keys Sailfish tournaments
were held this month over the years. The Islamorada Sailfish tournament is still
held at the end of November and the action is usually hot! This year should prove to be another fantastic Sailfish
year as we are already seeing some good numbers of fish. Look for the action to continue to heat up through January
and last on through April.
The Snapper bite is still on in the Marathon area recently as several
reports of good sized Mangrove Snappers have been coming in from the patch reef areas in the 20-30ft. range. Try
some 20lb fluorocarbon leader to the hook, with live large shrimp or cut fresh Ballyhoo as bait.
The fish have been coming up in the chum at times to midrange depths
so a light weight rig is necessary to get the suspended fish. Or try the bottom with as light of weight as possible
and about a 5ft. leader.
The Yellowtail Snapper bite has been very good on the reef at night according
to my good friend and good fisherman Tom Wammack of Grassy Key. Nice sized "flag" Yellowtails up to 23"
have been schooling up in the chum quickly at night. You can use a bit heavier leader at night (up to 30lb) and
use your 20lb outfits to really get the Tails before the sharks do!
The wrecks have been producing a nice Mutton Snapper or two early in
the morning before the boat traffic gets out there. Also lots of Amberjack and Barracudas hanging on the deep wrecks
to tire out the sport fishermen. Also, a few big Black Grouper in the deeper areas if you can get them up off the
bottom!!
The offshore scene has produced some sporadic good catches of Dolphin.
Several boats loaded up on "Schoolie" Dolphin the other day and a few larger ones are still lurking out
there. Some recent reports of Dolphin being caught on the reef by Yellowtail fishermen have been a happy bonus
to a good day of reef fishing.
All in all looks like a great winter season shaping up in the Marathon
area. Other recent catches have included good numbers of King Mackerel, nice sized Cero Mackerel, a few Cobia,
Blackfin Tuna and Wahoo! Now is the time to set up a great fishing adventure in the Florida Keys! Don't miss out
on this fantastic winter time action. Check out our website for more info on fishing in the Marathon area.
Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
e-mail - fish@sundancesportfishing.com
www.sundancesportfishing.com
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