STARTING THE SUMMER ON THE KITE
We kicked the summer off in live bait mode, flying kites and slow trolling along the edge. Blackfin tunas were a steady producer, with the bigger ones pushing into the upper teens and low 20s. Kingfish came up regularly in the spread, and bonita kept the rods bent in between the better bites.
We even got into a few summer sailfish, which is always a treat in July. Kite fishing trips out of Fort Lauderdale produce nonstop action when conditions line up. The boat positions on the edge in 150-300 feet, baits in the water, kite up, and you wait for the slam. Our offshore fishing charters run kite trips throughout the year.
PUSHING OFFSHORE FOR MAHI
As the summer rolled on, we shifted focus offshore for mahi. The sargassum was thick in stretches, which made it tough to keep clean lines in the water some days, but when we found a good weedline the mahi were stacked. We boated several bull mahi, with a couple of really nice ones over 30 pounds.
The technique was simple. Troll a small spread of skirted ballyhoo around the edges of the weed mats. Watch for frigates and shearwaters working the surface, and pitch live bait or chunks when we got into a school.
Some days it was nonstop. Photos of summer mahi catches are on the fishing photo gallery.
SKIPJACK AND WAHOO SURPRISES
Mixed in with the mahi were schools of skipjack tuna. Skipjacks aren't glamorous but they're a blast on light tackle. We caught them on vertical jigs and small trolling lures, often watching the schools bust bait at the surface from a quarter mile away. Great fish for first-timers and kids.
The summer surprise was a couple of wahoo. Wahoo are usually a fall and winter target out of Fort Lauderdale, so anytime one shows up in August it's a bonus. Both came on planers running deep behind the boat. Our bottom fishing charter covers the deeper-water targets.
WHAT'S COMING NEXT
As the summer winds down, we'll start seeing the transition into the fall bite. Mahi will still be around through October, snapper fishing on the reefs heats up, kingfish push down from the north, and the mullet run fires up snook and tarpon inshore.
If you're thinking about a trip, fall is the locals' favorite time of year. Cooler mornings, fewer crowds, and a really diverse mix of fish. Booking and trip details are on the charter contact and booking form. Tight lines.
- Captain Jason
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the best summer technique for mahi?
Troll around weedlines with a small spread of skirted ballyhoo, watch for birds working the surface, and pitch live bait or chunks when you get into a school. Sargassum can be heavy in summer, so finding clean weedlines is half the battle. More on our offshore fishing trips.
Is summer too hot for offshore trips?
It's hot, but manageable if you start early. Most summer trips leave at first light, fish through mid-morning, and run back before the afternoon thunderstorms build. Sun protection is critical. Find a full breakdown of what to bring on a summer Florida charter.
What else bites in summer besides mahi?
Blackfin tuna, kingfish, skipjack tuna, occasional sailfish and wahoo, plus solid bottom fishing for snapper and grouper. Inshore is best at dawn and dusk for snook and tarpon. The full inshore fishing summer trips run early and late slots.
