Till cooler weather shows up in November, we have to play it cool. Drink plenty of water, stay in the shade and go trolling.
Trolling in September and October produces bigger average weights on your mahi, and they are closer to shore. Trolling in 200 to 600 feet of water will produce good numbers of blackfin and skipjack tunas and by mid-October Spanish mackerel near shore.
Troll assorted small lures, about the diameter of a pencil or slightly more and 3 inches long. Trolling small lipped plugs and crank baits can be deadly. Even rubber worms work great. Try assorted colors to help break the daily action code.
Trolling in September and October also produces the best wahoo catches of the year. Planers in front of a sea witch or islander baited with a strip or ballyhoo is deadly. Xraps and Yozuri Bonitos can also produce good action.
Another good option for September and October is swordfish. Stay cool by drifting at night for the “gladiators” or deep drop by day for the biggest broadbills. Either way fish with both squid and fish baits to cover all the bases. Longline fishermen suggest changing your light selection from time to time. These fish start to recognize the same lights all the time.
This is the foul weather issue. So please include a “suspender” type or belt pack life saver. And wear them all the time.
I had a real thrill this summer. Always the biggest guy in the fleet means you can never find a foul weather jacket that fits. Even a Grunden sales rep said “no luck here”. But then I tried Amazon. I searched for 6X Grunden , and they popped right up. I now have a 5X Grunden jacket that is 3/4 length and has room for a jacket inside. I AM THRILLED!
Capt. Bouncer
CaptBouncer@bellsouth.net
(305) 439-2475