Abaco Offshore Forecast – December 2011

John Fortenberry with an Abaco wahoo snagged last season!

Capt. Justin Russell, operator of Local Boy Deep Sea Fishing Charters, has been doing well on the fishing front despite some rough sea conditions. As predicted Bahamas wide, November was wahoo month. Capt. Russell reports catches in the 20 to 40 pound range and his forecast calls for the bite to continue, remaining strong through December.

December generally brings bigger fish and we won’t be surprised to hear of ‘hoo in the 50 to 60 pound range. The peak of the wahoo season should be just about the middle of the month and run through January and into February. Expect a showing of smaller dolphin in the 10 to 15 pound class. They won’t be big but they certainly will put “food on the table.” Yellowfin and blackfin tuna will also help keep things lively in the cockpit.

Capt. Russell’s primary bait of choice at this time of year is ballyhoo and he says that rigging the ballyhoo with black and purple skirt combinations seems to work best for wahoo. For those who opt for a little reef fishing, there will be plenty of grouper and snapper in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Forecast compiled by CAM Staff.