[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ow that the worst of it is behind us and the seas are starting to calm, April not only offers nicer weather, but great fishing too. Good dolphin fishing should continue through this month and the next, with a shot at a wahoo every now and then while you’re offshore. Trolling is a good way to target these fish in the spring. Skirted ballyhoo, artificial lures and daisy chains work well for the mahi, while a split tail mullet, or ballyhoo rigged on wire and fished on a downrigger or a planner will be your ticket to success for the wahoo. Focus along color changes and weed lines from 135-235 feet of water and speeds between 5 and 7 knots. If that isn’t working, don’t be afraid to venture out a little further. Last year we had some really good days of dolphin fishing out in 900 feet, and while you’re out there, there is always a chance of seeing a blue marlin. So be ready.
Kingfish and cobia near shore and along the reefs will also be a good way to spend the days this month. Live baits for the kings and RonZ jigs and Gulfstream Cobia slayer jigs are safe bets for the cobia. It’s always a good idea to fish a bottom bait while you’re drifting over live bottom like our Six Mile Reef and Loran Tower Ledge too. Mutton snapper along with big lanes, “b” liners (vermillion snapper) and other bottom fish are common catches in the spring and not only add some color to the box, but taste great too. Whichever style of fishing you decide to do this month, I hope it’s Off the Chain.
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