by Captain Terry Fisher
Shortly after the long 4th of July holiday, 1st Mate Vicki and I took a few days off to visit another Florida fishing destination to target species that are not as easy to fish for on the gulf coast, due to water depths and the time that it takes to reach pelagic fish, such as tuna and dolphin. The purpose of the article is to encourage other Florida anglers, regardless of which coast one resides on, that it is easy to enjoy a variety of species within a short drive to other destinations in our state.
This trip, we chose to trailer our Pathfinder 23 HPS to troll the Atlantic for dolphin (Dorado/Mahi-Mahi) in the ‘Keys’ off Islamorada. While living in the Cayman Islands, I was introduced to trolling ‘skirted’ Ballyhoo. Since then, I have never been able to resist the opportunity to troll for dolphin, wahoo, tuna and marlin and hear the line ‘scream’ when the fish takes the bait. Going to Islamorada is only about a 4-hr. trip from Cape Coral. However, if one is not familiar with the ‘Keys’, I suggest talking to someone that can assist with knowing where to stay, especially if trailering a boat. Many properties do not have a marina or ramp for boats. Also, weather is a factor that will make or break an offshore fishing trip. Have the luxury of picking a time to go when weather forecasts are favorable for offshore fishing. If one has not spent time boating or fishing the keys, I suggest hiring a guide the first time and receive valuable information for the next visit. Vicki and I have visited the ‘Keys’ on several occasions and still get ‘surprised’ when changing properties, to try a different location, albeit upper, middle, or lower keys.
This time was a pleasant ‘surprise’, as we stayed at the Pines & Palms Resort at 80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada (pinesandpalms.com). The accommodations were as represented on the internet and we loved the property. Located on the Atlantic side, the property has great facilities for boat and trailer. Dockage requires a shallow draft boat. Television fishing hosts and personalities, such as George Poveromo utilize the property. Phil and Nadeen Welch of Coastal Angler Magazine for Sarasota, Ft. Myers and Naples, also stopped by to view the property and enjoy some conversation. Two fishing guides are highly recommended by the property. They are Captain Christopher Hanbury (On The Reef Charters) for offshore venues and Captain Jacob Hill (Into the Skinny Charters) for back country/flats. If you bring a boat, they will share their knowledge with places to fish so as to help make your fishing adventure a success. We had a great trip catching dolphin (not as many as we wanted) and look forward to squeezing in another Florida destination to fish, before year’s end.
Closer to home and not withstanding the negative publicity of ‘Red Tide’ and the excessive water releases from Lake ‘O’, July fishing was, for the most part, good. In my opinion, the hot weather and warm water moved the ‘inshore’ fish from their traditional haunts to other locations in search of food and relief from the heat. Trout was very hard to locate but the Spanish mackerel were active. Large pilchards were plentiful for those using cast nets to get bait. Redfish were there for the taking on high, incoming tides in many backcountry (mangrove island) locations. Summer shrimps were small. When fishing for snook or redfish, place two or three on a hook. However, on all other inshore species, I only use one small shrimp under a popping cork. Tarpon fishing has been very tough. Few are around but require some luck.
Offshore, fishing is fairly consistent. Close inshore; lane, vermillion and mangrove snapper should make up much of the bounty. Mangrove snapper are spawning and I suggest fishing depths of 20-40 foot. They love shrimp and squid. Chum the area, drop or free line the baits. Kingfish, permit and cobia should continue to be active around the reefs. The further offshore one goes, the better the chances of red snapper (not in season), grouper and porgy in good sizes. Wind and summer storms will dictate any opportunity to go 30+ miles out. Use pinfish, squid, squid wings for good results.
August fishing should produce much of the same activity as July. However, big redfish may start to move in from the gulf to spawn and eat. Fishing for snook is good, especially this month. One will find many in the backcountry areas with the redfish on high tides.