By Capt. Scott Housel, Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures
Mahi fishing is in full swing during the month of May along with the opening of Grouper Season on May 1st. For the best success in catching Mahi you will be making a 35-45 mile run out to the Gulf Stream. You will want to look for temperature changes and current changes which creates edges that can attract bait and ultimately pelagic fish like Mahi, wahoo, Blackfin Tuna and Sailfish. If you are lucky enough to find a weed line, try fishing the offshore edge with the cleaner water. If that’s not productive, try the inside edge. Be on the lookout for signs of life under the weeds. I like pulling both naked and skirted ballyhoo about 5-6 mph. I often run a cedar plug on my shotgun, about 100 yards or more behind the boat.
When targeting grouper, I like to fish at depths of 180-230 feet using live bait. For gear, I typically use 80# braid, with a 100# wind on leader. Depending on the current, I’ll use weights ranging from 12 to 24 ounces in weight, attached to 15-20′ 100# leader with a 9/0 circle hook.
May is one of my favorite months to fish. I hope to see you out there hooked up.
