February Fishing Report 2010
The New Year surprised Fort Lauderdale with freezing temperatures and great fishing. February crept up on us with chilly afternoons most northerners would consider “warm fronts.” These mild South Florida cold fronts have been consistent and so have the Sailfish, Kingfish, Blackfin Tuna and Game Sharks offshore.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is known as one of the top Sailfish fishing destinations in the world. Spindle beaks are caught year round in Fort Lauderdale but November through February accounts for 75% of all the Sailfish we catch. South Florida’s “cold weather” really gets these fish feeding, especially when it’s blowing and rippin’ offshore. Kite fishing with live goggle eyes does it every time. On February 11, we headed offshore with John and his buddies from Ontario. Swordfishing wasn’t an option but kite fishing on the reef was. We positioned ourselves on the edge in 150 - 180 ft of water and got the bite immediately. Watching your angler fight his first Sailfish is unbelievable. Now imagine, fighting a Sailfish suspended over the water, within feet of its airborne cartwheels. Talk about excitement.
Sailfish aren’t the only talk of the town; The Game Shark’s have arrived to Fort Lauderdale! Year after year, the Game Sharks make their way south to our backyard and they guarantee a fight. The Lady Pamela II fleet has begun to catch Hammerhead Sharks and even Bull Sharks just a mile from the beach. Fighting these fish is not an easy task. When you think they’ve signed off after a 30 minute fight, they haven’t, you better be ready for another run! Believe me; it’s all worth it in the end when your 7 ft Hammerhead is behind the boat and your up close and personal with a set of man eating teeth. It is totally rewarding.
On the weekend of February 4, the Lady Pamela II shot over to Bimini for a 4 day fishing weekend with a group of guys from Michigan and South Carolina. Fishing was just what we expected, only better. Our goal for day one was to catch dinner. After we cleared customs and got the OK to head offshore, a giant Tiger Shark ate and took us for a run, but only for a minute, literally. Our first bite of the day was a tease but we got a taste and wanted more. Round two produced a nice size Bimini Bull Shark and a fight Alan will never forget. At the end of the day, dinner was MIA but we had a good dock story. Day 2 was a grand slam. More Barracuda than you could shake a stick at, a handful of Amberjacks, a Hound fish and Game Shark #2. By day three, we were beat and the seas weren’t giving in. A White Marlin swam in our spread and ate. What cures sea sickness from 7 footers? A bite from a white. After a 30 minute battle, the Lady Pamela II landed it’s first White Marlin ever. Fishing in the Bahamas never seems to amaze me. The best time to travel to the Bahamas for a deep sea fishing trip is during the summer months when the seas and weather agree with us. Call now to book a summer vacation you’ll never forget, the fish are waiting.
February has been filled with fish of all species, from schools of Mahi Mahi to Amberjacks on the shipwrecks. Check out our updated Captain’s Log at www.ladypamela2.com for daily fishing reports and pictures.
Tight Lines!
Captain David Ide
954-761-8045
