April is here, which means it’s time to dust off the mahi-mahi (dolphin) tackle. Hopefully we see a better run than we did last year—because let’s be honest, last season was pretty rough.
Anglers will likely need to venture past the usual 70–90’ reefs to find the action, as the shallower spots tend to slow down this time of year. No worries though—the deeper water should be holding fish. The usual amberjack haunts will have their share of action. Live bait on a 3-way swivel with the right amount of weight works best. If the tide is moving hard, step up the lead.
Croakers, spots, and grunts are top choices for those arm-shredding jacks. Bunker will work, but in heavy current they tend to spin, which can cause tangles or just turn the jacks off—they’re smarter than we give them credit for. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few grouper as well since it’s their spawning season… and as usual, the best grouper fishing seems to happen between January 1 and April 30—the closed season. Use circle hooks and handle them carefully when releasing.
Dorado fishing can be the time of your life—or make you question why you own a $100k boat or just burned $800 in fuel on your buddy’s rig. Last year we never really saw the full run. Some anglers who made the run to the other side came back with big hauls, which likely means the fish just never pushed over to the western wall.
Look for the usual signs: temperature breaks, weed lines, color changes, and big concentrations of flying fish. Bobo trolling can work in a pinch, but you’re mostly spinning your wheels. The key is to follow the food chain.
As for baits and skirts, I personally think it matters less than people think. I prefer to keep things natural and run naked ballyhoo. Every once in a while, I’ll send a chugger back to make some noise, but my hookup ratio is usually better with naked baits. Use teasers, dredges, bowling pins—anything that creates the appearance of a bait school.
Let’s hope for a solid April mahi run. Good luck out there and go make it happen!
–Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Fishing Charters
firedupcharters@gmail.com
www.firedupcharters.com
www.sharkfishingcocoabeach.com
(407) 222-3573
Your premier fishing guide charter for shark fishing Cocoa Beach,
offshore fishing Port Canaveral, and nearshore fishing Cape Canaveral.
