What’s Biting?

Fall Fishing kicks off Wahoo season. Though there can be large fish over the summer the numbers significantly increase heading into the fall. As temperatures cool and bait continues to be plentiful it is not uncommon to have multiple hooks ups at the same time.  With some storms in the tropics it’s been known to see more debris during this time of year in the gulfstream creating opportunities for great Mahi fishing. Daytime Sword fishing is excellent in the fall as well. They are caught year round but bigger fish and more numbers tend to show up in the months of September-November.  The mullet run makes its yearly migration from north to south down the coast of Florida.  Beach and inshore fishing can be spectacular with prized catches like Snook, Tarpon, Mackerel, Snapper.

How we catch them?

High Speed trolling or trolling large Sea Witches deployed behind trolling leads or planers is the preferred method for wahoo. A large strip or ballyhoo rigged on —— off the seawitch can produce huge fish. Check out our High Speed Trollling Blog for more in depth information on How to Highspeed Troll for Wahoo.

Fall is a prime time to Deepdrop daytime for Swordfish. Fishing multiple lines provides better odds of hooking up. Fish a main tip rod from midship and a buoy rod off the transom. Mahi or Bonita belly rigged with a squid skirt are ideal on a 10/0 or 11/0 hook. See our Guide to Daytime Swordfishing for more.

As the mullet begin their migration the beach and inshore action heats up.  Cast netting mullet and fishing live bait or any artificials like NLBN, Jogs, or Gambler on a jig heads work great in the mullet mix.  Conventional and spinning tackle with braided line and fluorocarbon leaders.

Pro Tips:

• Wahoo are a reactionary fish. Changing the rhythm by varying speeds can provoke a bite.
• Be over prepared, having your harpoon rigged and ready and keeping a clean deck can be the difference in landing a fish having a smooth end game.
• When fishing a buoy rod keep a close eye on the buoy as the bite looks different than the tip rod. Check out our Sword Guide here
• When fishing a mullet school put some lead on a rig and get beneath them. Larger fish may stay on the outskirts.