Gil Coombes

With Summer time sea temps we all know in this area of South Florida that it is one of the hardest times of the year to fish. Contending against cold water upwellings inshore and 85 degree surface temps offshore you would wonder if any fish were to be found. This past week we used a technique used commonly further north for Tuna and found the fish that had seemingly disappeared over the last few weeks. We first worked off and found a scatted yet developing weedline which was also bringing in a decent amount of bait. After doing such we started by releasing a few more baits from our livewell into the weeds. We waited and started dropping chunks of cut cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and other baits we had onboard. After about 30 minutes of doing this we started seeing even more bait come to the boat and we placed out our lines at various depths waiting for the action to begin. Shortly after we caught the glimpse of our first Dolphin in the slick and he had brought along quite a few friends to enjoy the "free meal". The action began and we continued dropping chunks of bait over and the fish continued to appear with having multiple hook ups. Sailfish and King mackerel all came to the slick and lunch buffet that we had thrown over to set up a slick. We continued to do this all week and found that with water temps almost like a sauna that instead of trolling this is the way to bring these fish to you without searching and never getting a bite.

Fish Species: Dolphin, Sails, Kingfish
Bait Used: trolled ballyhoo, chunk baits, artificial
Tackle Used: Okuma reels with Crowder Rods
Method Used: Trolling, chunking
Water Depth: 60-100'
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:

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Gil Coombes

About The Author: Captain Gil Coombes

Company: Smokin Em Charters

Area Reporting: Ft. Pierce/Stuart/Miami/Key Biscayne

Bio: Capt. Gil has been fishing for over 20 years from the waters of Delaware to Florida. With a passion for the sport, not only has he strived to become one of the best Offshore Captains to fish the Treasure Coast area but also one of the top Inshore Captains. Running a 45' Trojan Custom Sportfishand 37' Luhrs Sportfish out of the Ft. Pierce are and a 20' Hewes Flats he continuously is placing fish on the docks. From Sailfish, Dolphin and Wahoo fishing Offshore to Snook, Tarpon and Redfish fishing the Inshore waters. Now with an added charter location in the Miami/Key Biscayne area fishing a 30' Ocean Runner CC is able to offer charters and his fishing knowledge in that area as well. No other charter service can provide the enthusiasm for the sport or knowledge like the crew of Smokin Em Charters.

772-323-1827
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Gil Coombes