BEST BET

Captain Mo Estevez of Miami Bonefishing.com reported large groups of bonefish have invaded the shallow flats of South Biscayne Bay. Early mornings and late afternoons during the first few hours of the incoming tides are when the most fish have been present. The western shorelines and the Oceanside flats have had tailing and waking bonefish plus quite a few permit. Casting live shrimp at the bonefish and live silver-dollar-sized blue crabs at the permit have resulted in the most action.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD

Fishing on the charter boat Spellbound with captain Jay Cohen out of Haulover Inlet, Ben Delahoussaye and his 8-year-old son, Cason, of Louisiana, landed a 350-pound swordfish that ate a bonito strip in 1,800 feet of water. The swordfish measured out to 11 feet, jumped three times and took two hours to land on 65-pound braided line. Captain Jorge Valverde of Low Places Guide Service reported having plenty of shots at bonefish and releasing bonefish up to 8 1/4 pounds while fishing the shallow flats of South Biscayne Bay with live shrimp. Plenty of permit, ladyfish, barracudas and sharks were on the flats as well. Captain Rick Brady from the charter boat Marlin my Darlin out of Fort Lauderdale reported daytrips are producing nonstop action from bonito and blackfin tuna that were eating trolled baits, feathers and live bait suspended from a kite. Best action has been in 100 to 180 feet of water offshore of Port Everglades.

FLORIDA KEYS

IslamoradaSportFishing.com reported dolphin can still be found but they are way offshore. Small blackfin tuna have been in good supply and eating trolled feathers near the 409 Hump. Kingfish are biting on the reef and there are a good amount of mutton and yellowtail snapper and grouper on the bottom. In the Gulf over hard bottom and structure, captain Lou Brubaker had 11 species that included pompano and permit. Captain Dexter Simmons of Key West Fly Fishing charters reports that tarpon are still available in the channels and flats of Key West. Bonefish and permit are providing plenty of action over the shallow flats near Key West.

TREASURE COAST

Captain Kevin Drennan of Slammer Guide Service out of Stuart reported cold water continues to move in and out of the area, making fishing tough around the inlets. Offshore schools of sardines are holding next to the Bull Shark Barge and attracting action from kingfish, bonito and sharks. There has been a decent amount of sailfish in the area but the dolphin fishing has been slow. Fishing near the Loran Tower is producing porgy’s, lane snappers, trigger fish and limit catches of vermillion snapper. The first schools of Spanish mackerel are starting to arrive in Peck’s Lake. Tarpon and sharks are available along the beaches.

FLORIDA BAY

Fishing the shallow flats and run offs in Florida Bay with Rapala Skitter Walks, Hookup lures tipped with live pinfish and Gulp shrimp, Cliff Neubart of New Jersey and Ivan Karnel from Fort Lauderdale released eight snook up to 12 pounds, 20 redfish, sharks and landed sea trout and mangrove snapper. Their captain was Alan Sherman of Get Em Sportfishing Charters. Locals Dennis Horn and Ross Meyers fished out of Flamingo in Florida Bay for 3 1/2 hours and released 58 redfish in the 7- to 8-pound range plus one tarpon and two snook using tipped jigs.

SOUTHWEST COAST

Captain Matt Hoover of Night Flight Fishing Charters out of Naples reported snook and redfish have been biting live shiners fished under a floating cork. Best action has been on the beaches next to knocked-down trees. The best action has come early and late in the day with a moving tide. Oyster bars are also producing good action from redfish. Lots of mangrove snapper are in the area and have been easy to catch next to trees, over grass and in the channels.

FRESHWATER

Captain Pat Stevens out of Slim’s Fishing Camp in Belle Glade reported bluegill and shellcrackers have slowed but should rebound with the upcoming full moon. Largemouth bass are feeding near the tip of Ritta Island and in Clewiston Channel. The best action has been early and late in the day. At times the bass have been schooling and attacking baitfish schools on the surface. Top-water lures such as the Zara Spook and the Dunk a Dunk in the silver mullet color are getting the most strikes.

Capt. Alan Sherman