[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ormally I would start this report off on how great the dolphin and kingfish bite would be this month, but I can’t. Truth is the bottom bite has remained so hot that I can’t!
We’ve caught the biggest lane snappers ever for the last three months! If the wind lays down long enough for us to get out, we kill them. Not only lane snappers but mangrove snappers and some really nice muttons. Capt Bruce Alcock on the “Incentive” out of Capt. Hirams in Sebastian may have caught the world record lane snapper in March. As he filleted the snapper all I could think about was the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) record and if he would have broken that record.
For best results try a west coast technique, drop down a knocker rig. A 30-pound test line with the small sinker right against your 2 OT live bait hook with a small grunt plug and hang on.
Live bait fishing for kingfish can be fantastic this month. Areas near the Pines and the offshore bar near the 600 line will be the spots to focus on. Eight-inch live blue runners slow trolled around two knots will be productive. If you can gather up some thread fin herrings, on the beach, put them out behind the boat at anchor as you bottom fish. Watch out for a dolphin or cobia to show up in the mix.
Further offshore the dolphin bite turns on big this time of year. Look for weed lines and put out your spreads. Keep some live bait on board for the stubborn fish (dolphin) that won’t take anything else!
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