Fort Lauderdale Fishing Report – November 2009

November Sailfish Update
November fishing has started out with a bang and the Lady Pamela II fleet is gearing up for some serious kite fishing this season. The mullet have been a huge help. Large schools of bait fish have made their way to the Gold Coast and the migrating pelagic fish weren’t too far behind. Fort Lauderdale has seen several Sailfish offshore and the bite is only looking to pick up and be comparable to last year.

Sailfish fishing is one of the most exciting sports and Fort Lauderdale is one of the top Sailfishing destinations in the world. During the winter months, great Sailfishing will be affected by the passage of cold fronts, in a good way. When the wind patterns pick up and it’s blowing offshore, the cold air moves through and the water temperatures drop. The Sailfish move through looking for warmer water and multiple catches are common. The only disadvantage is nasty seas, big rollers, but a great bite. To us Fort Lauderdale diehards, it means perfect Sailfish conditions and what we long for year after year. Trolling bait or dangling live goggle eyes from the kite usually attracts a Sailfish within minutes. These pretty pelagics are caught year round; however, November through March comes in at number one for the Sailfish bite. During the height of season, 20 bites per day is common, it happens and we catch ’em. That must be how the name Sailfish Alley came about for Fort Lauderdale, Florida!

With the weather change in Fort Lauderdale, the Atlantic Sailfish will be the leading catch offshore. Other species will be involved as well such as Blackfin Tuna, Bonito, Kingfish, Wahoo and Dolphin. Let’s get out there and catch some fish.