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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Well we've just finished up fishing the first week of May 2015 here at Bud n' Mary's in Islamorada. A lot of boats were anxiously waiting for May 1st because of the opening of the shallow water groupers (all the reef species). A lot of people fished the reef the past week and some people caught some incredible groupers. A few boats caught the limit on some trips, and a few of us caught a one or two. We saw mostly black groupers on the dock, but there was a few gags and reds mixed in too. A couple people were fortunate and caught some big boys, I saw a 38 lber behind the Man O War and the Reel McCoy had a 35 lber. Most fish were 7 - 20 lbs. In addition to the groupers a lot of boats had yellowtail snapper and a couple mutton snapper. Some areas the current and tide were into the wind making it difficult to drift for yellowtail, but the boats that were patient and didn't give up have still been getting plenty for dinner.
We hadn't seen many cobias the past couple weeks here, but sure enough the Relentless found a nice school yesterday, limiting out, with one monsterous 65 lber too. There's also been a few permit caught and released on the wrecks, as well as a couple surprise african pompano caught.
We've had quite a boats make the run further offshore in search of mahi and tuna, and most days were decent. There was a few slow days where the fishing was inconsistent and only a couple boats got them, but it should only get better and better as we get into summer. Patience is definitely the name of the game, and the boats that stick it out, and look for fish on their full day charters, finding floating debris, and birds working are being successful for the most part. A few days some boats struck out on mahi, but most boats have had from 10 - 25 fish on recent trips. There's been all sizes of fish too, the majority from 4 - 15 lbs, but the Predator weighed a 40 lb bull today. The "football" size blackfin tunas are on the humps, with a few bigger ones as well. Down deep on the humps we've seen quite a few ambjeracks from 30 - 50 lbs. I made it out on one daytime swordfish charter last week and we caught a 75 lb fish. We are getting into the prime months for swordfishing so hopefully I'll have some more good reports.
We had some bad weather a few days ago, with strong winds and lots of rain, but after a couple days it cleared up and it looks great the next few days. The bad weather didn't stop all the boats from fishing, some did reef trips and still had plenty of action, altough some people rescheduled. The Reel McCoy also had 2 sailfish releases today, but I think the sailfish action will be only occasionally from here on out. Give us a call in the office when you're ready to book your next fishing trip and we'll set you up! 1 800 742 7945
Remember we are hosting 2 different tournaments this month. The first is the Gotta Luv Them Dolphin Tournament on May 16 (so feel free to sign up if you have a charter booked) or have your own boat, and the next one is May 25th which is the Pelagic Triple Crown, Islamorada Memorial Day Classic. Bring your own boat for that one, or go on one of our charter boats as well. There's gonna be great prizes, trophys, and even some nice checks for the winners!
Capt. Nick Stanczyk
This Fishing Report was submitted on 5/7/2015 7:46:49 PM by Seamus and last updated on 5/10/2015 7:46:49 PM.
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