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"Dolphin & Sailfish on the Rip!"
Updated January 18, 2001
Every once in a while a good condition for catching offshore fish moves
into our area in close to the reef. The gulfstream current that moves along the Keys sometimes throws eddies in
towards the islands and a "current rip" is created. Usually along this current edge, there is debris,
sargasso weed, and other grass that builds up. This creates a hiding place for small fish and the larger fish gather
as well to feed on the smaller ones and so on. The other day off of Marathon and the entire Keys, a classic "rip"
came in along the reef edge in about 150ft. of water with all kinds of weed, debris, tons of flying fish, lots
of Frigate birds, and lots of Dolphin. The dolphin were pushing up flying fish all over the place and some nice
schools were in the area. We caught several nice Dolphin in the 15-20 lb. class and a few other "schoolies"
that we kept for dinner. The rest of the Dolphin were released as we were really targeting Sailfish. We did manage
to hook up a double header Sailfish and landed one. Several other boats were also hooking up Sails in the vacinity
of this rip and lots of Dolphin were caught by the local charter fleet that day. A cold front that rolled in the
following day wiped out the rip and slowed the Sails for the day. Today was a different story though, as the Sailfish
were biting and we had 5 or 6 opportunities on a half day trip. For some reason we were having trouble hooking
up the fish, but did manage to hook up and catch one as Mike Anderson of Lima, OH. caught his first Sailfish.
The King Mackerel fishing has been red hot off of Marathon lately in the 60-160ft. range. Lots of school sized
Kings have been showing up in traditional hot spots and a few big "smokers" up to 40lb. have been hanging
along the reef edge. Lots of Spanish and Cero Mackerel have been in the shallow waters of Florida Bay and from
Hawk's Channel to the reef on the ocean side. Mangrove Snappers have been biting in Florida Bay and around the
bridges and patch reefs. Yellowtail Snapper have been biting on the ocean side when the current has been running
with the wind. A few nice sized Grouper (some up to 40lb!) have been coming off of the deeper rocky areas on the
Atlantic side in 120-200ft. of water. Live bait is the best bet for the big Groups.
Looks like a nice stretch of weather is in the forecast for the Keys and the fishing should keep improving with
the warming trend. Look for the Tarpon action to start heating up with the temps and lots more Sailfish when our
breeze turns to the E/SE. For more information on fishing in the Marathon and middle Keys area check out our website.
Good luck in all of your fishing adventures!
Capt. Bob Brown, Jr.
e-mail - fish@sundancesportfishing.com
www.sundancesportfishing.com
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