Fish Tales with Capt. Mike Makowski
KeysNet.com
Cooler conditions return as we begin the month of November, and our snowbirds begin their annual migration from what I call the artic tundra (anything north of Florida) to our island paradise.
As the temperatures drop, the fishing gets hot for both offshore and the backcountry. There are many options for anglers and at times, it is almost to hard to choose.
Out in the deep, surprisingly the dolphin bite continues to be great for boats fishing from 100 feet of water out 15 miles. While most of the fish caught this past week have been close to the reef, the average size has been gaffers to slammers.
Tuna are making a strong showing and should continue to grow in size and numbers as we get further into the month November. Most anglers trolling will come across a few schools, but if you want the best bet for catching some tuna dinner, hit the humps and wrecks with live baits or butterfly jigs as you drift. Keep a keen eye out for birds this month as they will be key to finding feeding fish and can be a real time-saver when it comes to locating productive areas to work.
Sailfish are starting to show up off the reef following the schools of bait that are moving into our area. Last month I had reports of a few sails being caught by boats near or on the reef fishing live ballyhoo on the surface around Key Largo. This is just the start of sailfish season, and for those looking to save on fuel, there will be a lot of activity just off the reef this month.
For those fishing the reef, the yellowtail bite has been very stabile and predictable, with most fish averaging around 3-4 pounds, being found from 80 feet out to 110 feet around good structure. Most captains have their go-to spots when it comes to yellowtail, and a good depth finder will help you locate productive areas of you own. Key Largo has had an awesome bottom bite as of late with many grouper, mutton snapper, and mackerel showing up behind boats fishing for yellowtail. For those of you like myself with smaller vessels, the same goes for the numerous shallower patch reefs holding lots of hogfish, smaller muttons, groupers, and mackerel. A couple of blocks of chum along with some live shrimp or pilchards and you will be in business.
In Everglades National Park, reports of boats catching Spanish mackerel around the outer banks (Ox foot, Schooner, First National) have become more common. Once again finding the concentrations of birds working an area will help you locate the fish. Along with the macks have been good-sized mangrove snappers, sea trout, and lots of ladyfish and jacks for anglers looking to bend a rod.
Anglers fishing the bottom with knocker rigs and live shrimp around the East Cape canal/ Lake Ingram area are catching black drum and redfish as of late. While this type of fishing will produce several nice fish you may have to deal with several catfish being brought to the boat as well.
While the backcountry has lots to offer, the ocean side flats are alive with activity. Big schools of bonefish are being found from Ocean Reef to Long Key. Plus toothy barracuda provide excellent entertainment for anglers working top water lures during the morning hours.
Those of you who know me, know that fishing is more than just a game to me, it is a way of life. So fish hard and fish often!
Capt. Mike Makowski is a backcountry fishing guide and owner of Blackfoot Charters in Key Largo. His column appears biweekly. To send him fishing reports or photos, e-mail captmikemakowski@yahoo.com or call (305) 481-0111.
http://www.keysnet.com/2011/11/03/393354/temps-are-cooling-but-not-the.html