Here's a quick update to keep the report as current as possible.
Yet another cold front has made its way through South Florida. This one packed the coldest punch so far this winter. As soon as the sun set, both the air and water temperatures started dropping drastically. The strong NW winds at 20 - 24 knots have kept the shrimp running and the tarpon bite remains OUTSTANDING.
Tino Poo treated two of his employees, Jose Verez and Jack Perdomo to their first tarpon trip. We left TNT Marine Center at 5 pm for the short run to Haulover Inlet. We put out the baits and less than 2 minutes later, Jose was in a tough battle with a very stubborn tarpon. It was a back and forth battle with the fish holding the upper hand for the first 10 minutes of the battle. Slowly but surely Jose started to win the battle. After another 10 minutes, Jose had expended all his energy and Jack took over. Jack fought the fish for another 5 minutes before it came along side to have its picture taken by Tino and then released. The next strike came a bit further down the beach just after the sun set. Jack took his turn and this fish was just as feisty. Tino got more pictures at boat side and the tarpon was released.
We had a short window of the right tide to fish the Bay and we ran to the first location. Out went the baits and in about 10 minutes we had our first hit. That location produced 2 more hook ups and we successfully landed 1 of the 3 fish. The action turned off, so we moved to the second location. This time it took about 15 minutes for the first hit. This location also gave us 3 shots and this time we landed and released 2 of the 3 fish. By now, the air temperature had dipped into the upper 40's and was continuing to drop. The tide was almost gone and it was time for the trip to end.
To sum it up, we were 2 for 2 on the beach at Haulover. In the Bay, we were 3 for 6 for an evening's total of 5 for 8 with fish in the 40 - 60 pound class.
Don't let the cold weather stop you from enjoying the strong tarpon bite that we have going. All it takes is to brings many layers of warm clothing and put them on as needed. Once you start your battle with the Silver King, you'll warm up in a hurry. Also, despite the strong wind conditions, the direction it comes from when these fronts pass through has quite calm sea conditions along the beach as we are on the lee side. In the Bay, there are plenty of buildings and land masses to knock down the wind so the Bay is also quite calm. Give me a call at 305 965-9454 or email me at nkostyo@bellsouth.net to get your trip scheduled and enjoy the action.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters, Inc.
305 620-5896 Charter
305 965-9454 Cell
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net