High winds and rough seas dominated the scene again this week, however; the conditions were still fishable throughout much of the week. The sailfish have vanished for now but should reappear very soon. Keep an ear out for them as the month progresses. We have not seen the last of them yet. The main target this week for most offshore ventures was mahi mahi or yellowtail snappers. Both were feed ing well and present in good numbers. The patches and reef edge both have been great for the snapper bite. The dirty water on the patches have been excellent for “keeper” tails with a mix of small grouper, hogfish, porgies and cero mackerel. This makes for a great half-day trip in calmer waters. The mahi mahi were moving through in close from 150-300 feet of water. Numerous debris/weed lines have been making their way up the reef in the moderate current. White terns and gulls have been working these edges and ganging up above schools of mahi mahi tailing down the heavy seas. Live baits have been the key to getting these finicky eaters hooked-up. Plenty of ballyhoo have been present at the usual spots. All that is required is a block of chum and some small hair hooks with a piece of cut bait. Head over to World Wide Sportsman at mm81 and ask the guys behind the counter to show you the hair hooks and how to use them. They will be happy to assist you in any way and get you out “catching”. They can also help out with any other tackle or fishing related questions. They are very knowledgeable and friendly, always willing to spend time with you to help. The Gulf of Mexico has been fantastic for Spanish mackerel and blacktip sharks. Cobia and goliath grouper have also been present on the wrecks out in 20-40 feet of water. As the water temps go up in the coming week, the fishing should spark up so plan on spending a day in the gulf “catching” this week. Don’t let the high winds scare you off the water. The fishing remains great and plenty of good opportunities abound for the coming week. Head on down to your favorite marina and book that charter for your trip of a lifetime! Come on down to Fiesta Key Marina at mm70 and look me up in paradise! We have plenty of openings and would love to get out “catching”!