SOUTH FLORIDA OFFSHORE: Capt. Skip Dana said blackfin tunas were biting off Hillsboro Inlet for those using live bait and dead bait. Anglers on the Helen S drift boat had two blackfins Thursday morning using dead sardines, along with about 40 yellowtail snappers in 90-150 feet. Dana said the kingfish bite has been slow, but he expects it to pick up a few days after Saturday’s full moon.
THE KEYS: Richard Stanczyk of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada said the dolphin bite has been very slow and heading offshore has been “a hit or miss gamble.” Sailfish made an appearance earlier this week. The Miss Islamorada party boat reported good catches of yellowtail snappers all week.
SOUTH FLORIDA INSHORE: Tarpon fishing has been so-so for Keys anglers. Sea trout and mangrove snappers were biting in Florida Bay, along with a few snook.
EVERGLADES/FRESHWATER: Bigger bass at Sawgrass Recreation Park were biting lipless cranbaits, topwater plugs and 16-inch plastic worms. Tons of oscars were biting in the finger canals along the west side of U.S. Highway 27. Peacock bass were biting in the Lake Ida-Lake Osborne chain of lakes.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Bass 2-6 pounds were biting topwater lures, stick worms and jigs wherever you find clean water, including the rim canal.
