Well, can you feel it in the air? I can and I hope you can too. It’s the sweet smell of spring time in the air. We’ve made it through Bike Week, spring break and snowbird season. It’s time for things to warm up, both the weather and the fishing. I am looking forward to both. It’s been a particularly cool winter for us and I’m ready for some warmth!
Last month there were early signs of the dolphin run beginning. There’s just something about a warm spring day and mahi dancing behind the boat on every line. Well, maybe not every line, but there were definitely a few around. Maybe not double digit catches, but a couple fish scatters here and there.
If conditions remain relatively constant and/or improve in April, look for the dolphin run to ramp up to full speed. Mixed in with the phins, there should be a few sails and an occasional wahoo or blackfin tuna. Ballyhoo rigged on mono is the best way to target the sails and dolphin, while the ballyhoo/lure combo rigged on wire will work for he hoos. Keep the mono baits tight to the teaser and the wire rigs either long or on the downrigger.
On the bottom this month, we should start to see some of the larger amberjack as they will group to spawn. Most of the action will be from the 27 fathom ridge on out to the deep wrecks and cones. Once you find where the fish are holding, they could stay on that spot for the whole month. Take plenty of large live baits as there are still plenty of red snapper and gag grouper to contend with.
The slow trolling last month was very hit or miss as some bad water was hanging around for a bit. Provided conditions improve, the live bait bite could be red hot this month. When the kings show back up there should be some cobia, sails and mahi joining them on the reef.
Either way, make the most of the bluebird days and go get em!!
See ya on the pond!
Thanks and tight lines!
Scott
