We really don’t need a calendar to realize that summer is slowly winding down. Signals like children returning to school and Labor Day barbecues are difficult to ignore. The good news is that for us fortunate enough to call South Florida home, this is merely a transition month. Although summer is ending, it doesn’t mean that summer style fishing for mahi and snapper has to stop. As a matter of fact, the fishing can be stellar as long as the conditions remain favorable.
Offshore, mahi will still be coming through and can be caught in very good numbers. The key is to pay attention to the weather and fishing reports. Easterly winds will usually push schools of these hungry dolphin within easy range. Besides the winds, it is important to network with other anglers and stay informed by monitoring fishing reports. Since these fish normally travel north, good action down in the Keys is good news for us. The other distinct advantage to this type of fishing in September is that many anglers have changed their focus to lobster diving and hunting. Fewer boats on the water translates into less fishing pressure and more and less finicky fish.
Closer to shore the fishing can be very good as well. If you don’t mind anchoring, snapper fishing will still be very good both day and night. Anchoring around hard bottom or reefs will produce a nice mixed bag of mostly snapper and possible grouper. Off Miami-Dade county we also have the option of anchoring near numerous shallow artificial wrecks that also hold snapper as well as a variety of jacks and sharks. Spinner and blacktip sharks forage around these wrecks and often steal your catch and put on a show. Don’t forget to use a long heavy leader and decent length of wire if you plan to do battle with these sharks. The leaping and spinning from these sharks will shred your tackle if you aren’t prepared.
If you prefer trolling or drift fishing, there are things for you to do too. Trolling with planers through depths from about 80’-180’ will produce kings, bonito and the occasional wahoo. Best baits to troll are spoons, ballyhoo or strips. One of the advantages of trolling is that is allows you to cover a lot of water and find the bite. Another benefit to this type of fishing is that you do not have to stress about catching and keeping live bait.
Drifting or slow trolling with live bait will also produce some nice catches. Drifting works well on days when there is a nice sea breeze that allows the boat to drift across different depths. If you’re facing no wind and current, you’ll be better off slow trolling your baits. Again, it is all about covering different depths and looking for the best bite. As with any type of fishing it pays to monitor the VHF radio for the latest reports. It is also crucial to deploy at least one mid-depth or deep bait. Warmer water usually causes fish to hang a bit deeper in the cooler water.
Well, that is pretty much it for right now. Don’t forget that I will be presenting more FREE SEMINARS at Bass Pro Shops in Miami. You can keep up with with everything by following us on FACEBOOK, Instagram, and Twitter. If you like watching some of the action, be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page for the latest video additions.
I hope everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend packed with fishing and good times.
Tight Lines,
CAPT. ORLANDO MUNIZ
Nomad Fishing Charters
786-266-0171
www.fishingchartermiami.com
SPONSORS AND FRIENDS: Mercury Marine, Bass Pro Shops, Offshore Angler, Orca Coolers, SeaDek, Costa Del Mar, AquaNutrition and Baitmasters.