2008-06-30

Offshore Report—It seems that I got my bearing back from being in the Bahamas. Even though its rough out there the dolphin have been coming through pretty good. Since it is rough, having a smaller boat makes fishing an adventure. Don’t threat the wind is starting to subside and the fishing will still be good. This past week there were some really big fish being caught. I heard of many fish over forty pounds with boats catching up to ten fish over 25 pounds. The larger fish were pouring through the 18-24 mile range with plenty of large schoolies from 14-17 miles out. There has been some decent wahoo under structure and on the weed lines, some up to forty pounds. With the current as strong as it’s been deep dropping for the really tasty critters has been off limits.
Sword fishing from what I heard in the daytime has been good with a few fish from the two hundred pounds up to over 350 pounds. The guys that have been daytime sword fishing have been catching multiple fish with most of them ranging from 60-100 pounds. Hopefully the wind will lay down soon because I have wanting to go for some swordfish lately. Capt Roy Limback on the Tiki out of Colusa Cove Marina in Lower Matacumbe was the Captain who captured that beast that weighed over 350 pounds.
Unfortunately I sat at the dock with people calling me and kicking tires. I can understand that people are trying to save money and my charter boat isn’t cheap, but by operating high-class equipment I understand that only certain clients can afford it. Operating a go fast charter boat has a high overhead and it seems to be getting more expensive every day. Running out to where the fish are now has been costing me in the area of 300-500 dollars in fuel alone. I wouldn’t say that my prices are off the wall but they are definitely more expensive than the guy who has a 28’ Parker running out on 200 four strokes or that old timer who operates a single diesel. The cost of fuel is going to hurt everyone down here. Most of us have come up with a pricing scheme, which is compensating for the fuel increase and at the same time people who were just able to afford the trip before the increase are having second thoughts. If there isn’t a solution soon for the fuel cost there will be a lot less charter boats come next year.
The mutton spawn went off on the last moon with some people catching thirty or so muttons. Now most people didn’t catch that many there were a few captains who absolutely slaughtered them. From the people I talked to, there were many people catching a respectable ten fish and calling it quits. Unfortunately I haven’t had a reef trip in a while but I would have loved to fish this last full moon. Reports came in on a night and day bite that was really good. The yellowtail snapper have been good with the exception of the size of fish. The fish are starting to get a little smaller and it would seem that the end of the spawn is drawing near. When you catch those big margates with the muttons you know you’re in the right spot. Last year I got one that weighed 16 pounds. Now that’s a big grunt.
I am going to put a deadline on the Guatemala trip. I will have all the info by the end of July and I will want commitments and all deposits in by the end of August. If you are interested in going on this trip please keep looking at my report, there will be crucial info every week. I am gathering up the prices for many different scenarios. The more people go the cheaper it will be. I have talked to five people that have read my column and I have four already signed up. Please call me for any questions next week. I should have all the pricing. To let you know the airfare is really cheap on Spirit Airlines that leaves Ft Lauderdale. If you act fast you can get flights for less than 90 bucks each way. My phone number is 305-610-4778 and you can reach me anytime after 6:00 PM. Have a great week fishing.