September already, where has the year gone? Before you know it, we will be breaking out the offshore trolling gear for the mahi run. What can we expect for this month besides the heat and humidity? Bait, and lots of it. Its already starting to show up so thick that all you need is a 6-foot net. Recently it’s been from the Cape jetty all the way south past the pier. This is a good thing. All the big fish come in and feed. Tarpon, kings sharks etc. This is another great month to fish Cape Canaveral. In the mornings you will find the bait tight to the beach and as the day goes on it usually balls up along the coast in 15/20 feet. You will see small dark clouds in the water. Cobia are still around and this is a good time to work the bait pods. You can do a few different things; hook a pogie with a small egg weight on the line to get it through the school, buck tail the school jigging vigorously, another trick is to use a big treble hook. Snag a pogie and leave it in the water. If there is a cobia around that school chances are he will eat it. Also slow troll around the bait pods. This is the time that the big kings are moving in and spawning. Fish to 40 lbs in 20 feet water are not uncommon.
Another good thing to do this time of year is reel maintenance. Take the time now while it’s hot and muggy to sit at home in the AC and take your reels apart for some detailing. There are several products out there to use. If you’re not confident in tackling a complicated reel, drop it off at your local reel repair shop. Check the drags as well. Good rod and reel maintenance will keep you from losing quality fish. Line should be changed once a year as well. Being a charter captain, I am constantly adding and replacing line. These few things will make and break your day. I have gotten into the habit of also retying my knots after a decent fish is caught or at least retying at the beginning of the day. As I’m heading out in the mornings, I let my charters drive while I’m re-rigging everything for a fresh start.
If you ever have any questions or need help with anything please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks and have a great month.
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