02-10-2005, 01:29 PM
My last few trips have targeted tarpon and swordfish. We have had success with both species.
Saturday (2/5) evening we started off by running to Government Cut to try and hide from the N/NE wind @ 15 - 23 knots. The hiding was a success, however, the tarpon were not in the area. The next move was into the Bay to take advantage of the tide. Within 20 minutes an 80 pound fish had us very busy as we did battle around lots of obstructions. Gary outwitted, out foxed, and out pulled the tarpon and after a few pictures, the fish was released. Resetting several times produced no other action as we watched the water temperature falling like a rock. Time to run to Haulover and put out the baits. What seems like old reliable took place. First drift and within minutes Pete caught and released a 50 pound tarpon. That was our action (2 for 2) for the evening.
Tuesday (2/8) night the target was swordfish. We had a back up plan to fish for tarpon in the event the wind was to strong. We got the break in the wind we were looking for and made the run offshore in NE/ENE wind @ 9 - 11 knots. As total darkness came on, we were set up and waiting. The 2 - 3 foot seas and 3 foot swells finally overcame one of the anglers and the decision was made to finish out the trip fishing for tarpon. Our tip rod came in with a mangled bait. The first float came in and the sinker had fallen off and as the bait rose to the surface, it caught the line on the next float. We cleared the two lines and I had Joe continue to wind in as the line felt very heavy and was moving toward the stern of the boat. The sword came right to the boat, made a jump, and then took off on a great run. It was a see saw battle for the next 20 minutes before Joe finally was able to put the heat on the fish. It was his first fish, and the 60 pound sword was soon in the boat. By now the other angler was really feeling the effects of motion sickness and we were soon heading back to Haulover for some tarpon fishing.
Baits were put out and we caught and released a tarpon within minutes. Next drift and another strike. The shrimp were running with the outgoing tide and the tarpon were feasting on them. When the action slowed for a few drifts, we went down the beach and found action again. The two anglers took turns catching and releasing tarpon in the 40 - 50 pound range. We had our best action at Haulover thus far this tarpon season. Final totals for the night were 1 swordfish, 7 for 8 tarpon, and 1 bluefish.
Next week is the Miami International Boat Show. I'll be with Whitewater Boats (10 am - 4 pm) on Saturday, and both Eagle Claw Hooks (10 am - 2 pm), and Whitewater Boats (2 pm - closing) on Monday. Drop by and say hello and of course, we can talk fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 965-9454 Cell
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net
[signature]
Saturday (2/5) evening we started off by running to Government Cut to try and hide from the N/NE wind @ 15 - 23 knots. The hiding was a success, however, the tarpon were not in the area. The next move was into the Bay to take advantage of the tide. Within 20 minutes an 80 pound fish had us very busy as we did battle around lots of obstructions. Gary outwitted, out foxed, and out pulled the tarpon and after a few pictures, the fish was released. Resetting several times produced no other action as we watched the water temperature falling like a rock. Time to run to Haulover and put out the baits. What seems like old reliable took place. First drift and within minutes Pete caught and released a 50 pound tarpon. That was our action (2 for 2) for the evening.
Tuesday (2/8) night the target was swordfish. We had a back up plan to fish for tarpon in the event the wind was to strong. We got the break in the wind we were looking for and made the run offshore in NE/ENE wind @ 9 - 11 knots. As total darkness came on, we were set up and waiting. The 2 - 3 foot seas and 3 foot swells finally overcame one of the anglers and the decision was made to finish out the trip fishing for tarpon. Our tip rod came in with a mangled bait. The first float came in and the sinker had fallen off and as the bait rose to the surface, it caught the line on the next float. We cleared the two lines and I had Joe continue to wind in as the line felt very heavy and was moving toward the stern of the boat. The sword came right to the boat, made a jump, and then took off on a great run. It was a see saw battle for the next 20 minutes before Joe finally was able to put the heat on the fish. It was his first fish, and the 60 pound sword was soon in the boat. By now the other angler was really feeling the effects of motion sickness and we were soon heading back to Haulover for some tarpon fishing.
Baits were put out and we caught and released a tarpon within minutes. Next drift and another strike. The shrimp were running with the outgoing tide and the tarpon were feasting on them. When the action slowed for a few drifts, we went down the beach and found action again. The two anglers took turns catching and releasing tarpon in the 40 - 50 pound range. We had our best action at Haulover thus far this tarpon season. Final totals for the night were 1 swordfish, 7 for 8 tarpon, and 1 bluefish.
Next week is the Miami International Boat Show. I'll be with Whitewater Boats (10 am - 4 pm) on Saturday, and both Eagle Claw Hooks (10 am - 2 pm), and Whitewater Boats (2 pm - closing) on Monday. Drop by and say hello and of course, we can talk fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 965-9454 Cell
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net
[signature]