01-26-2002, 11:45 PM
The past week's fishing has had its ups and downs. The one constant on the offshore seen has been the late afternoon sailfish bite. On Sunday (1/20/02), Kenny Borkan celebrated his birthday with his family and friends aboard the family boat. We fished just north of the Miami Sea Buoy and within 10 minutes of putting out the baits, we were rewarded with a sailfish. Monday (1/21/02) found us fishing a half day on the edge between Government Cut and Haulover Inlet. It varied in depth from 130' - 400'. We had one hit on the down rigger that did not hook up. On Tuesday (1/22/02), we made the run to below Fowey Light. A strong north current with blue/green to blue water and an east wind @ 10 had us charged up. Pilchards on the kite gave us kingfish action and a sailfish in 120'. The flat line produced 1 dolphin. Once again a late sailfish bite took place. Switching gears on Wednesday (1/23/02), it was back to evening tarpon fishing. Starting at Haulover Inlet, we caught and released 1 ladyfish and 2 bluefish. The conditions were right to try the bay tarpon and they did not disappoint us. Our live shrimp got us 4 hookups and we landed 2 of them. A lack of tarpon at Haulover Inlet continued on Thursday evening (1/24/02). We tried the bay and were frustrated with tarpon that had lockjaw. Moving out to Government Cut, turned out to be the right place to go. Three drifts had us hooked up twice and we landed and released the 45 & 50 pound fish. Friday (1/25/02) had us making an afternoon/evening trip. We arrived offshore just as the afternoon sailfish bite began. The radio was active with reports of fish being caught between 100' - 135'. We watched a boat near us catch a single. At 115' the fireworks began. First the kite bait got hit, then one flat line and then the other. We had a triple header sailfish heading in different direction. That action lasted for about a half hour before we released the fish. Heading in to Government Cut, we switched tactics and started tarpon fishing for the evening portion of the trip. After a quick bite to eat, a soda, and a few fish stories, the port rod bent over severely and 80#'s of SILVER took to the sky and thrilled a first time tarpon angler. The fish posed nicely for us at boat side by making a great jump just 10' from the boat.<br><br>Next week, I'm scheduled for 3 evening tarpon and 2 offshore trips. The tides and moon phase are better for tarpon, however, with the way they have been so far this season, it is going to be a go out and see what develops type situation. Offshore, we are hoping that sailfishing continues hot and other species become more active. Till next week, get out and enjoy our great Miami weather.<br><br>Captain Dave Kostyo<br>Knot Nancy Fishing Charters<br>www.rnfl.com/knotnancy<br>nkostyo@bellsouth.net<br>305 620-5896<br><br>