It’s May and that means it’s time to start targeting dolphin in South Florida. Trolling has always been my favorite way to fish and there’s nothing I like more than coming across a hungry school of dolphin. One of the most important things you can do before heading offshore is to rig at least a dozen ballyhoo on 7/0 or 8/0 j hooks with various lures in different colors the night before. It’s also important to have some chunk baits ready to go. I cut up a half dozen ballyhoo and a small box of squid and place them in a small bucket in the fish box with ice so they stay cool and fresh. Once we clear the inlet, I like to run until we see some clean water and signs of life and then deploy the spread.
As with any other type of fishing, to be successful, you have to fish the conditions. When it’s flat like a swimming pool, running and gunning might be your best bet. Be prepared with several 20 to 30 pound spinning outfits rigged with long leaders so you can quickly tie on a new hook without having to tie on a new leader during the cockpit chaos. Always be on the lookout for birds or that magic piece of floating debris. It’s also a good idea to have a heavy spinning rod rigged with a heavy vertical jig ready for when you find debris. There could be a bigger dolphin or wahoo hanging out a few hundred feet below.
If you have any questions about dolphin fishing, don’t hesitate to email me and I’ll be happy to help you out. Don’t forget to send in your catch photos so we can make you famous in our Brag Board!
Keep reelin,
GENE DYER
Editor & Co-Publisher
Coastal Angler Magazine Fort Lauderdale
fortlauderdale@coastalanglermagazine.com
(954) 680-3900