Offshore Mahi and Nearshore Bottom
Report Date: July 14, 2014
Fishing the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area are still producing some nice fish. This time of year we have more requests for mahi-mahi (dolphin), and I have to say, mahi fishing has been pretty good. Some of our bigger fish have been caught far offshore (20 to 25 miles) and the smaller ones closer to shore, in 500' to 600'. On some trips we can catch 15 to 25 fish which provides plenty of excitement for everybody on the boat.
Recently, we fished with a couple from Europe and they told me they never seen mahi so we ventured in deeper water. We found a large school of mahi holding to a patch of sargassum weed near the Steeple in 500’. Our guest just marveled at the beautiful color of these fish. We caught a lot of them and kept a few for dinner.
On the reef, we’ve also caught some nice fish on live pilchards and goggle eyes. On trips when we don’t have current, we’ll slow troll our live baits. This method of trolling has produced some nice kingfish, big bonito, barracuda, and also, a few sailfish recently.
We also like dropping big baits to the bottom and on deep wrecks. This has produced some nice amberjack. If you spend enough time fishing live baits around wrecks in the area, there’s a good chance you'll catch a nice fish!
Good Luck & Tight Lines,
Capt. Mario Cote
No Vacansea Sportfishing
954-632-9340
