Time is getting close

[Bradc]

I will be renting a place in Marathon april 9 - 16th. Thinking about renting a center console while I'm there to do some fishing. Looking on a map I will be just south of Key Colony Beach , anyone want to give me some tips on fishing around there. I'd really like to be able to get on some big mahi if they are around but wasnt sure if thats something I could do on my own ( I fish offshore in Va and NC regularly in my own boat) or should I charter? also since Im driving down I am limited on how much gear I can bring , what good for that area ? Thanks , hopefully I can post some good reports from this trip!

[Captain Bill Welder]

Early April you should be able to find dolphin inside of 700'. 15 or 16 miles past the headpin would probally be all the further you need to be. Pretty much the same here as VA and NC for dolphin except we use fresh ballyhoo and not frozen.

Tarpon will be at the bridges eating small blue crabs and live mullet.

I have heard only good things about this boat rental company. http://www.vacationboatrentals.com

If you think you can do it on your own you probally can.:thumbup:

[Perchguy]

Fishing the reef for yellowtails and other hungry fish is another great option. I was in KCB last year at about that time and did great. I will be there the week after you this year. Anchor in around 60' of water on the outside of the reef and soak a couple of blocks of chum. The patch reefs inside the main reef is another good option if the seas are a little rough. Drift live shrimp or cut bait back into the chum slick and if all goes well, the fish will be there. Rig up with 15# mono and a #20 Flourocarbon leader and circle hook. Works best if you use no weight with the bait and let it drift naturally back into the chum slick.

[Bradc]

thanks for the advice and tips guys, I am getting very anxious !

[guanacay]

I've caught dolphin a mile from the reef where you will be. Definitely rent the boat. Bring a couple of trolling rods. Penn 3/0-4/0 would be plenty. 30lb test will be fine for dolphin. Troll a couple rigged ballyhoo or jethead lures. The reef is about 5 miles out. Once you cross the reef, you are in the blue water. The water will get deeper fast and you should start to look for frigate birds or floating weeds/debris right away. When you're down there, ask around in the tackle shops as to what depth they're catching dolphin in. It could be 200 feet, 300 feet, 500 feet. You never know. Hopefully they'll be in close.

And even if the guys are fishing for them in 500 feet, that doesn't mean you can't catch a few in 200 feet. Keep your eyes peeled. If I didn't see any fishy sign, I'd probably head out to about 150 feet and put the lines out, then start trolling deeper while looking for birds or weeds and stuff.