And here comes the Fort Lauderdale fishing forecast of what we expect to encounter offshore if fishing follows the pattern of Decembers past.
Lots of baitfish will be passing through and as we have addressed this before that situation is a plus. The Ballyhoo that have been scattered anywhere from 10 to 100 feet will begin to mass in areas of 12 to 30 feet of water unless Mackerel and Jacks run them into deeper water. Small Bullett Bonito will be up current of any substantial structure. They will also get in front of the anchored ships offshore and many days we will catch them for live bait. Larger Kings, Wahoo, Sailfish and Jacks love them.
The weather and the fishing will remain erratic. A postcard pretty day will be followed by a possibly blustery cloudy day. And a good day offshore can be followed by a poor day. There will be some fully grown Sails and then smaller ones. Kings will be often be above average or possibly undersize. That is December fishing here in South Florida. It is prudent to be flexible and spend some time for fish other that Mahi-Mahi for example if you would like some fish for the table. Snappers and Tilefish are an alternative. And there will be a few days when we head out thinking conditions are off for Mahi and they will climb all over us. Its December. Enjoy the day on the water, it beats working for most, and we will give 100% to put fish in the box. You have to go to have a chance and there will be those really good catches, but not every day. One plus is there will be more days with tailing conditions for Sailfish and the possibility of casting to traveling fish.