January 23, 2003

[Captain Dean Panos]

01/28/03

Fishing this past week was in high gear. Sailfish, swordfish, tarpon, kingfish, dolphin and cobia, were all being caught.

The sailfish bite off of Miami continues to be hot. We have caught anywhere from 2 – 5 sailfish per trip. Our best day we had 11 sailfish hooked, but unfortunately landed less than half of them. The sailfish were pushing really hard to the south. With a north wind they would run into our flatline baits first. They were moving so fast that they would pick up the flatline bait and keep running south. It was hard to come tight on them before they realized something was up and take to the air. It was a good day nonetheless, since we were able to hook 11 of them and watch them dance on the surface. Most of the sailfish have been eating pilchards and herring.

The swordfish bite was also good. We had three trips last week. The first night we caught 1 out 3 swords. The second night was 1 out 4, and the last night we went 0 – 3. Unfortunately this brings the streak on the Double D to and end. We had gone 21 trips straight with landing a swordfish. Of those past 21 trips, we caught 2 or more swordfish on 18 of them. That streak dates back to November. It’s hard enough to catch any species on 21 straight trips, but 21 trips with swordfish is impressive. The trip that ended the streak, we had a good fish on, but eventually all good things must end, so now we have to try start another streak. Either way, it shows you that swordfishing is a consistent fishery that as long as you get the weather, some experience and some luck, the probability of landing a swordfish is pretty good. We are starting to book trips for this summer already, so if you want to add swordfish to your species list, give me a call and lets set aside a date.

Tarpon fishing was also pretty good last night. Tarpon don’t really bite that well when the water temp is below 70 degrees. Last night the water temp was 68, but I guess that is a lot better that the 65 degree water in the inlet a few nights ago. We ended up catching 2 out of 3 tarpon. The largest fish was right around 100 pounds, and the smallest at 40 pounds. What a great way to end a day.

So if it’s sailfish, tarpon or swords, give me a call and we can set up that trip.

Tight Lines and Good Fishing, Capt. Dean Panos Double D Charters (954)805-8231