Fort Lauderdale Fishing report Oct. 2008

Our annual baitfish migration has begun right on schedule. This is great news to offshore fishermen.

Huge schools of Spanish Sardines are migrating down the coastline of South Florida .There has been an increase in the number of near shore pilchard schools, and the long awaited Mullet "run" has arrived. Every baitfish school that arrives brings the possibility of game fish either right beneath them or very close nearby. Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish and Bluefish are common species encountered on the shallower Sardine schools. Look for Tarpon on the shallower Mullet schools along with usually smaller sharks along the species listed above. A frisky live Mullet or a Mullet head with up to 2/3 of the body get these bait school Tarpon to bite. Cut bait and smaller jigs and spoons can get lots of bites from the Blues and Ladyfish.

Encountering these baitfish schools in deeper water does not necessarily mean there will be predators in their midst, but there is always a chance for a Sail or Dorado usually just to the rear and Kingfish below.
Different presentations can draw strikes, but it is almost always best to "match the hatch".

Offshore Dolphin (Dorado) fishing has improved steadily over the past week and hopefully will at least remain decent. Kingfishing has been very good between 80 to 150 feet. Some of these fish are undersized, but most are of legal length. If you are looking for a Sail expect only a couple of bites on most days you live bait them. Daytime Sword fishing has been excellent but don"t expect this to last very long with such a high chance for success, but some will still be available throughout the month.

Capt's Rick & Steve@ Marlin My Darlin Sportfishing 954-761-8202