By: Capt. Bruce Andersen
As summer winds down and fall approaches, offshore fishing in the Florida Keys really starts to heat up, especially when it comes to blackfin tuna. September marks the beginning of some of the best tuna fishing we see all year, as large schools of blackfins gather around many of our offshore humps and seamounts.
There are several techniques we use to target these hard-fighting fish. Trolling small feathers and squid skirts can be very effective and is probably the easiest technique. Vertical jigging over these seamounts is another productive method that often results in fast hookups.
But my personal favorite way to catch blackfin tuna is with live bait, specifically pilchards. There’s nothing quite like pulling up to the spot, tossing out a few freebies, and watching the ocean erupt as tuna come crashing to the surface in a frenzy. Once the feed starts, we pitch live baits on light spinning tackle. The action can be absolutely explosive and there’s nothing like fighting a large black fin tuna on 20-pound spinning tackle! It’s an adrenaline filled experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
While blackfin tuna take center stage in September, we also continue to see some very solid mahi-mahi (dolphin fish) fishing. Floating debris and weed lines offshore still hold good numbers of mahi, and they can provide excellent action when everything comes together.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that September is the peak of hurricane season, and tropical systems can occasionally put plans on hold. However, in between these events, the conditions can be spectacular. Calm seas, light winds, and clear water often make for some of the most comfortable and productive offshore fishing of the year.
If you’ve never experienced late summer offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, this is the perfect time to give it a try. Whether you’re after blackfin tuna, mahi, or just want to enjoy a day on the water with rod-bending action, there’s no better place to do it than here in the Florida Keys. Come join me aboard The Captain Easy and let’s get after it!
— www.captaineasycharters.com | You can reach Captain Bruce
Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or
email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net