The winter sailfish season arrived with the most recent cold front that passed through the South Florida area. That's the best news that most anglers have been waiting to hear after a long hot summer. With winds from the WNW to N @ 15 - 20 knots, a strong north current, and a large NE ground swell, the sailfish came through in big numbers. It was time to get out the kites and present baits down wind. What a thrilling sight it is to watch a sail stalk the baits suspended from the kite.
Along with the cooler weather, the surface water temperatures also cooled off and this has been driving dolphin (mahi-mahi) through the area also. The fish have been coming along as singles and small groups. There have also been some fairly large fish mixed in. This is also great news as we had a very dismal dolphin season this summer.
Not to be left out, kingfish have pushed down our way also. It's time to start anchoring and chumming them up with pilchards, herring, and chunk baits. Once around the boat, the action will be fast and furious and limit catches will not take long at all to accomplish.
While there are tarpon to be had inside in the Bay, another cold front or two will get the shrimp running and the tarpon will move out to the Inlets. This will get the winter tarpon season kicked off and it'll be time to start fishing in the late afternoon and into the evening to take advantage of the best time for the best action with these giant silver beauties.
So the winter season has arrived and now it's up to you to call or email and schedule your trip to take advantage of the good fishing. There will be more and colder weather going through the northern part of our country. After a while it'll be time for a break from shoveling snow, icy conditions, and bitter cold weather. A trip to Miami will give you a much needed rest from those harsh conditions. A fishing trip will get your mind off all the weather you just left, so don't get left out by trying to arrange a last minute trip. It might be difficult to get the date(s) you want, so book your trip early and make sure there won't be any surprises.
And finally, with the Holiday Season fast approaching, gift certificates are a great way to give the one you love a fantastic day or evening on the water that they'll thank you for all year long.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters, Inc.
305 965-9454 Cell
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net
