Mahi season has arrived

We had a bit of a slow start to our mahi-mahi fishing here in Key West. In the past few days finally the fishing has gotten much better. Hopefully the bite continues to get better and better and we can start catching some really nice fish. Here a few pictures of some of the recent Mahi fishing trips.

Key West, a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offers an exhilarating experience in pursuit of the vibrant and acrobatic Mahi-Mahi. Also known as dolphin fish or dorado, Mahi-Mahi are prized for their striking colors, fierce fights, and delectable taste. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of fishing for these ocean gems, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to score big in the waters of Key West.

**1. ** Gear Up: Before you hit the waters, ensure you have the right gear. A medium to heavy-action spinning rod or conventional reel combo is preferred. Opt for a sturdy 20-30 lb test line, as Mahi-Mahi are known to put up spirited fights.

**2. ** Lure Selection: Mahi-Mahi are known for their attraction to bright colors and flashy lures. Popular choices include feather lures, skirted trolling lures, and artificial bait that mimic small fish. Their curious nature often prompts them to investigate and strike these eye-catching offerings.

**3. ** Natural Bait: Live bait is a strong contender when it comes to Mahi-Mahi fishing. Small to medium-sized live baits like pilchards, ballyhoo, and squid can entice these predators. The lifelike motion of live bait can trigger Mahi-Mahi strikes even from a distance.

**4. ** Fishing Techniques: Trolling is a prevalent method for targeting Mahi-Mahi. Set your trolling speed between 5 to 8 knots and cover different depths to find where the fish are congregating. Keep a variety of lures and baits at different distances behind the boat to increase your chances.

**5. ** Spotting the Signs: Mahi-Mahi often travel in schools beneath floating objects like seaweed, debris, and buoys. When you spot these, slow down or stop your boat and cast your lures or bait near the structure. These floating objects act as natural havens for baitfish, making them prime Mahi-Mahi hunting grounds.

**6. ** Surface Action: Mahi-Mahi are known for their vibrant colors as they dart near the surface. Look out for their acrobatic displays, which include leaping out of the water. If you see one, chances are there are more nearby. Cast your lure or bait towards the fish to provoke a strike.

**7. ** Hook Set and Fight: Once you feel a strike, don’t immediately jerk the rod. Give the fish a moment to fully take the bait before setting the hook with a solid pull. Mahi-Mahi have soft mouths, so maintain steady pressure to avoid tearing the hook loose. Their vigorous fights are what make them a prized catch, so be prepared for some reeling and maneuvering.

**8. ** Size and Regulations: While catching Mahi-Mahi is a thrilling adventure, it’s important to adhere to size and bag limits set by local regulations. Mahi-Mahi have minimum size requirements to protect their population and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

 

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What a week to fish in Key West !!

Over the past week, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible fishing moments that have kept me occupied from sunup to sundown. As the days unfolded, I found myself immersed in the thrill of the catch, encountering a variety of fish species that made each trip unique and exciting. Join me for a quick recap of my fishing escapades from the past week, where I’ve crossed paths with some remarkable marine creatures.

Yellowtail Snapper – The Unmistakable Beauties:

One of the highlights of the week was the successful pursuit of Yellowtail Snapper. These vibrant and striking fish are known for their distinctive yellow tails and light silver bodies. Renowned for their delectable taste, Yellowtail Snapper are a favorite among anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike. The challenge lies in their cautious nature, making them a rewarding catch for those who master the art of finesse. Landing one of these beauties requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of their habits.

Monster Barracudas – Predators of the Deep:

Another exhilarating encounter during my fishing spree was with the monster barracudas. These apex predators are known for their impressive size, sharp teeth, and lightning-fast strikes. Barracudas are often found lurking near reefs and wrecks, using their swift movements to surprise unsuspecting prey. Their silver bodies with dark markings create a menacing appearance, making them both fascinating and slightly intimidating to reel in. The battle to bring in a monster barracuda is an adrenaline-pumping experience that tests an angler’s strength and strategy.

Big Amberjacks – A Test of Strength:

The week wouldn’t be complete without the thrill of battling big amberjacks. These powerful fish are synonymous with strength and endurance, often putting up a formidable fight once hooked. Amberjacks are known to dwell around wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures, and their willingness to challenge anglers makes them a sought-after catch for those seeking an intense fishing adventure. Successfully reeling in a big amberjack requires not only skillful angling techniques but also a physical stamina to overcome their relentless resistance.

Exploring the Diverse Waters:

Venturing out on windy days, I had the opportunity to explore nearshore waters, where the challenge of fishing for sharks, snappers, and groupers awaited. The dynamic conditions added an extra layer of excitement, as the wind whipped across the waves. Sharks, with their enigmatic presence, put anglers’ nerves to the test, while snappers and groupers showcased their cunning nature by seeking shelter amidst the underwater structures.

Beyond the shallows, the deep blue waters presented a captivating sight as sailfish, tunas, and cobias emerged from the depths. The elegance of sailfish, the speed of tunas, and the strength of cobias all showcased the diverse marine life that calls these deep waters home. These encounters serve as a reminder of the vast and awe-inspiring ecosystem that exists beyond the shoreline.

Booking Your Fishing Adventure:

With April quickly approaching, there’s no better time to plan your own fishing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner eager to cast your first line, I’m here to guide you through an unforgettable experience on the water. The first week of April has some availability, and there are still a few days open in the following weeks as well. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories and reel in the catch of a lifetime. Give me a call, and together, let’s embark on a journey of good times and tight lines. Your next fishing adventure awaits – let’s make it extraordinary!

 

 

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Lady luck aboard the ALL IN

We’ve been having some seriously awesome fishing trips lately. The weather has been great, and we’ve had some amazing people joining us on the water. I’ve been lucky to have some skilled female anglers on board the “All-In,” and let me tell you, they’ve been killing it.

Here’s a quick rundown of the recent highlights from our trips, where the ladies have been showing off their fishing skills:

African Pompano – The Mystery Catch:

One standout catch of the week is the African Pompano. These fish are kind of mysterious – they like hanging out in deep waters and don’t come easy. But our awesome anglers managed to reel them in. It takes skill to attract these sneaky fish and then bring them onboard. African Pompano have a unique look and taste great, making the effort totally worth it.

Blackfin Tuna – Fast and Furious:

Another exciting catch we had was the Blackfin Tuna. These guys are known for their speed and feisty attitude when caught. They put up a real fight, but our anglers were up to the challenge. With their cool black fin markings, these tunas made the trips even more thrilling. Feeling the tug of these speedy swimmers and nailing the technique for catching them gave our female anglers some real excitement.

As we look back on these recent trips, it’s clear that fishing isn’t about gender – it’s about passion and skill. The ladies on the “All-In” have shown they can rock the fishing scene just as well as anyone else.

If you’re itching for your own fishing adventure, now’s the time to hop aboard with us. Whether you’re a fishing pro or a newbie eager to learn, we’re ready to welcome you. The first week of April is filling up, and there are a few spots left in the following weeks too. Don’t miss out on a chance to join us for a fishing trip that’s all about fun, learning, and the thrill of the catch. Get in touch, and let’s plan a fishing memory you’ll never forget. We’re pumped and ready to make it happen!

 

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African Pompano season in Key West

On our last few trips we have had great success catching African pompano. This is one of the more rare fish we find here in Key West. Pompano is also one of the best eating fish we get. Truly a trophy worthy and feast where they fish. On today’s trip we landed two out of three African pompano and multiple mutton snappers. It was a perfect day today on the water. I had great weather, great fish, and awesome clients nothing could have gone better.

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And with that 2022 season comes to a close

Last day of the year we got it done. We got a late start leaving the dock around 11am and fishing till 5pm. It was a near perfect day to be on the water.

My good friend and clients Cory and Roberto had a nice mixed bag. We landed a wide variety including snappers, grouper, Porgy, and a Margate.

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Key West at it’s winter best

Winter fishing is heating up lots of snappers, groupers, and even some nice wahoo around. Book your private fishing charter today call me on my cellphone and let’s do this. Come to Key West and get out of the snow 🙂

Jim is seen here holding a few nice Mutton and Black grouper from Tuesday trip.

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Perfect half day charter

We had an absolutely beautiful day on the water today here in Key West. Not many days go exactly according to plan, but today we nailed it. We started our day off catching lots of Yellowtail snapper. On the reef we also got a monster Black grouper on light spinning tackle. After an hour on the reef we headed to a deep wreck in 150 feet to catch some Mutton snappers. We caught a beautiful Mutton snapper, Bull shark and lots of Barracudas. We had non stop action and more than enough meat for Kelsey and Ryan take home.

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Cooler waters = hotter action

The fishing in Key West is heating up as the water is finally starting to cool down. The snappers have been biting really well. We’re also starting to see more Kingfish come through and Sailfish as well. The Blackfin tuna bite will be getting better and better every day as we roll into the end of the year. Wintertime is some of the best fishing we have here in Key West.

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Shark week in Key West

As summer is heating up so is the shark fishing. Key West is unparalleled and it’s variety of sharks. Everything from bull sharks, lemon sharks, Sandbar sharks, black tips, hammerheads, the list goes on and on. Here are a few highlights from this past week’s trips.

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Mangrove snapper spawn is on

I love snappers in all shapes sizes and colors. They are tasty, strong, smart and cunning. This making them one awesome fish to set your sights on. July is red hot from Mangrove snapper call me ASAP let’s go fishing 🙂 !!!

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