Fort Lauderdale Fishing February 2009

The nicest part about Fort Lauderdale cold fronts are the fact that our temperatures are seldom below 50. February has given us a couple of quick, cold blasts of air and those blasts have kept the Sailfish biting. As the fronts pass and the winds turn to north and then northeast, tailing Sailfish (fish seen swimming south on the surface) are easily baited with live bait. Because of their migration, these fish are usually hungry and lunge at an opportunity to eat, which we are happy to offer them. The activity has been good for these sport fish and we expect it to continue for a while longer. As we go through February, the numbers will begin to decrease, only to rise up again as they begin traveling north in late March or early April.

While Sailfish are still predominant off Ft. Lauderdale, other species are beginning to move into the area. Sharks are becoming more and more frequent with Hammerheads being seen and caught the most. Other Sharks are also in the area but the Hammerheads are the most abundant. Our methods for fishing live bait have changed somewhat as to not miss an opportunity to catch a “big fish”.

Dolphin (Mahi mahi) have been erratic, but when they do show, their size and numbers have been more than welcome. This time of year, most Dolphin are caught within a few miles of shore. Whether migrating through our area or hanging under debris, it is seldom we see the small fish we see in the summer months. The fish we see now are usually 6-10 pounds, with some larger fish mixed in. Extremely fun to catch and great eating, the Mahi fish is always a welcome visitor on our boats.

King Mackerel fishing continues to be slow with just a few being taken when we fish for them. Their size is all over the board from fish that must be released because they are too small to “smokers”, the larger Kings in the 20 to 40 pound range. Known for their quick strike and making a reel scream, they can be quite a battle on light tackle.

As we get further into February, Fort Lauderdale’s deep wrecks and reefs will begin holding Amberjack in some good numbers. These fish become a “go to” fish when some folks want their buddy to catch something “big”. While fishing for Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper and large Snapper are also possible. All that is left is trying to get the fish to the boat before one of those Sharks gets to it…

Capt. Rick
Capt. Steve
Marlin My Darlin