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Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 2:56 am: | |
Subject: Great Sailfishing, Good Tarpon, Poor Dolphin
Offshore, the blue/green edge has been in as close as 85' and the current has been off the scale. When you put these two factors together, it means good sailfishing. Despite these good conditions, the word on the dolphin season has been a bit disappointing so far. Yes, there have been some good moments, however, in general there has been no consistency.
Meanwhile inshore, the tarpon are still here and are reliable. They are feeding on crabs and the south side of Government Cut has been the place. It is getting very close to the time when they will be moving out of the area.
Here is the day by day action aboard Knot Nancy.
Saturday (5/31) evening I had the pleasure of fishing with Mike and Ann Little and their two children, Ashley (14 years old) and Will (9 years old). By our third drift, the sun had set and Ann was hooked up to a 110# tarpon. The battle took us the entire length of Fisher Island from the Government Cut jetties to the jetties at the southern end of the island with the fish spending most of its time in about 2-3 feet of water. We released the fish and immediately set up to try and catch a fish for Ashley. Two drifts later, she was hooked to a 90# (her personal best to date) fish. She handled the tackle like a pro and quickly showed the fish who was "Boss". Next it was Will's turn. The next drift had us chasing a tarpon that was fast heading for the deep water of the ship channel. We got there first and everything seemed to be under control when the line went slack. The tarpon had bit throw the leader. We didn't get any other bites that evening. You might ask where Mike was during all these battles? He was busy with winding in the other baits, helping with putting on rod belts, taking pictures, and giving moral encouragement to everyone. Family fishing is FUN, there is no doubt about it.
Sunday (6/1) was a day aboard the big boat. We caught pilchards at Haulover Inlet and had to search to the north to find some herring. We started out in 400' and it didn't take long before we had a sailfish on. When we had no more action out deep, I moved back inshore and started just south of Haulover Inlet. Before I could put out all three baits, we had another sailfish. And that is the way the remainder of the day went. Fishing from the Sheraton Bal Harbor north to the Newport Pier in 110-120 feet, we had a total of 9 sailfish strikes and saw two free jumpers by days end. It sounds like a wonderful day of fishing and it was, however, we only landed three of the fish. The others threw the bait most of the time before Bill could get to the rod. In baseball, a .333 average would get a player a large contract. In fishing it means you had a tough day. Maybe tomorrow would be better.
Monday (6/2) the pilchard fishing at Haulover was better and search as we might, we could find no herring. The current was once again off the scale, so we started in close. We had no action and Bill wanted to try for some dolphin, so offshore we went in search of the needle in the haystack. We found a frigate bird searching, a medium size board, a giant size board, lots and lots of scattered grass and no fish. The final disappointment was when we found half a palm tree trunk with the root ball attached and no dolphin to be found. We ran down to the anchorage and had two sailfish bites in 106'. We pulled the hook on the first when we were within 20' of catching it. The second threw the bait because the hook had turned in it. Between the two sails, we had a lot of fun catching 4 bonito. We got cut off by a kingfish as we were using straight mono leaders and we avoided the afternoon rain storms. Despite our bad luck, it was certainly better than the three days of trolling for marlin.
Tuesday (6/3) evening we were back at tarpon fishing. Our goal was to catch a tarpon. Size or number didn't matter. One would be just fine. It took till about 9 pm, however, the tarpon finally ate our crab and the fight was on. Twenty minutes later we had the pictures we needed and our goal was accomplished.
On Saturday and Sunday June 14 &15, I'll be doing a seminar as part of the FishStock, The Total Saltwater Experience. This extravaganza is presented by Sportfishing Magazine. The place is the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. There'll be lots of activities and exhibits and seminars all day long, so mark your calendars and come on by.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 6:27 pm: | |
Subject: Mixed Bag Fishing Report
Weather has been playing an important factor in when and how long we have been able to fish without getting wet and safety from lightning. Fishing in general has had its ups and downs in the area from Haulover Inlet south to the Monument Buoy just south of Key Biscayne.
Thursday (5/22) and Friday (5/23) were both washout days as my customer did not want to fish in the south winds at 20+ knots and the heavy rain storms.
Saturday (5/24) was an afternoon/evening trip. We started with a kingfish off Government Cut where there was no current and dirty green water. Next, we had to run inshore to seek the safety of hiding under the 5th Street Bridge till the wind, rain, and lightning subsided. As is typical with South Florida weather, it took about an hour for the skies to clear. Running back out, we found blue water in 290' where we caught and released a small dolphin. While running in to tarpon fish, we were stopped and inspected by the FWC. They were very polite and courteous and we were on our way in a few minutes. For the remainder of the trip, we fought no wind to light wind and constantly changing directions. We had 2 tarpon on by the end of the evening.
Sunday (5/25) we fished from the Twin Towers south to the Monument Buoy. Slow trolling off the Twins produced no action. Moving south to the southern end of the Anchorage found us drifting offshore despite a light SE wind. In 110' a sailfish ate our pilchard and ran under the bow quicker than my angler could get from the stern to the bow and clear the line. The end result was that the 12# line parted as we watched the sail make a beautiful jump inshore of the boat. The deep bait produced a few kingfish, and then the action died. Running south to the Monument Buoy, we found pretty blue water but no current until later in the afternoon. Once again the deep bait got all the action. We missed a few hook ups and caught another kingfish. All afternoon, we kept a close eye on the thunderstorms that were heading our way. They never made it and by the time we ran back to Haulover Inlet, the storms had rained themselves out.
Monday (5/26) was a half day in the morning. We left Spinnaker Marina at 8:15 am and ran out to 130' off the Twin Towers. What difference a day makes. The water was almost purple and the current was ripping to the north. When we reached 124', rods started bending over. We quickly put an 8# bull and two 6# cow dolphin in the fish box. Running south and setting up again gave us action on both the deep and flatline baits. This time it was two bonito. The action slowed and moving back north toward Haulover Inlet saw us hooked up on the deep bait again. This time it was a kingfish. The final action of the morning was a large remora. My two anglers had never seen one before and had to take pictures of old sneaker head before releasing it.
Tuesday (5/27) was another half day, but this time it was offshore for some dolphin fishing. The reports I had been hearing were very mixed. Ten boats would go offshore in search of dolphin. Three boats would find them. Of the three, two boats would catch a few. One boat would slam them. As for the other seven boats, they would come home disappointed but looking forward to doing it again. We fell in the category of the two boats that found a few. From about 8 miles out, there was mostly scattered grass. The slicks also had scattered grass. Two boards and a 3X3 foot square of Styrofoam had no fish around them. We found fish under some birds and hooked up 2 and missed one. The others didn't stick around. After running south to the Twins, I ran back north and found better organized scattered grass off Hallandale. It looked great with lots of bait under the grass and trash, however, the dolphin were not to be found. On our run back to Haulover Inlet, I spotted a large piece of wood. The fish came up and we hooked another one with the remainder of it buddies leaving the area quickly. Despite what sounds like slow dolphin fishing, it is much better than what was going on at this same time last year.
If you have noticed from all my trips on the reef area, most of the strikes have come on the deep baits. Putting bait down deep will become more and more productive as the warmer and then hot weather continues to come on. Another thing to remember is that during the hot weather of summer, the kingfish will move out deeper. You can expect to get bites in the 180 to 220 foot range. If you want to beat the heat, then try night fishing. With calm comfortable seas and swordfish feeding best at night, now is the time to book your trip and beat the heat while doing battle with old Xiphias Gladius.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 - 11:16 am: | |
Subject: High Flying Tarpon Lands in Boat
Beautiful weather, light winds, and calm seas best describe the past week in the Abacos. We caught yellowfin and skipjack tuna, dolphin, barracuda, and a white tip shark. As for the marlin fishing, in three days of trolling, we had one fish make a pass at our lures and disappear. A sailfish held on to a lure long enough to run line off the reel, make a jump, and throw the lure and another billfish of some type smoked about a 100 yards of line from the reel before becoming unglued. That sums up the Bahamas trip.
Back in Miami, on Monday evening (5/19), the tarpon were very cooperative. Jay Wright wanted his wife Becky to catch her first tarpon. The fish were rolling and busting baits on the south side of Government Cut. When the sun set, the fish turned on and Becky found herself fighting a not to happy 70# tarpon. The fish made it to the deep water and Becky was a very tired but happy angler when the fish was released. Next drift and Jay hooked a fish that came unglued on its second jump. Next drift and once again Jay was fighting a tarpon. It was being cooperative by heading for the shoreline on Fisher Island and staying away from the deep water. The line went slack and we either hit an obstruction on the bottom or we found the weak spot in the 20# line. By this time, Becky was questioning Jay about whether or not he could land a tarpon. Another drift and another fish. This one ate as it came toward the boat. Some quick winding by Jay and he was hooked up for the third time. The fish made a jump about 50 feet out from the boat as it headed toward the bow. Just as I was about the crank the engines to give chase, I saw what looked like a missile shoot out of the water heading for the boat. The 70# fish landed in the boat just in front of the console and in just a few seconds flopped and beat its way down the port side to the back of the boat. We all ran to the bow area and waited till the fish calmed down enough for me to grab it and put it back in the water. It took off like a shot when it hit the water and 10 minutes later I had the mess cleaned up so we could safely walk around without fear of slipping.
It was just another exciting and adventurous night of tarpon fishing. The action should continue for about another month. I have some open dates waiting for anyone who wants to experience the adventure of some great tarpon fishing. Give me a call and lets go catch a few.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 10:45 pm: | |
Subject: With A Little Searching, Fishing Has Been Good
Fishing off the Miami area between Key Biscayne and Haulover Inlet has been very good this past week, so lets get to the day by day results.
Saturday (5/3) was an afternoon/evening trip. Catching bait has been very easy at Haulover Inlet, so with ample bait we ran offshore. There was little to no current and with those conditions, we ran south looking for things to improve. Off Key Biscayne, there was still green water, however, there was some north current. We caught and release a couple of kingfish. Then in 135', we hooked something that will forever remain a mystery. The fish moved north and then went straight to the bottom where we were unable to move it on the 12# spinning tackle. We finally broke the fish off after a 30 minute struggle.
Time to go tarpon fishing. The two anglers were discussing how they were going to share time on any fish that we hooked. They agreed on 15 minutes each. We had a very subtle hit on each bait that I had out. The tarpon ate and swam toward us. When we caught up to the fish, we were hooked to it with both rods. Talk about sharing time, they were both fighting the same 120# fish. After 20 minutes, one of the leaders wore through and we continued fighting the fish on one outfit. An hour later, with both anglers completely worn out, I released the fish.
Sunday (5/4) was a 3/4 day trip. Bait was once again a snap. The it was a run offshore to look for dolphin. That is exactly what it was, a look. Not wanting to waste to much time in search of dolphin, I ran back to the north anchorage area and slow trolled from 250' in. At 130', the downrigger hooked up and Eileen Clark was fighting a very stubborn fish on a 12# spinning outfit. After 30 minutes and lots of guessing, we were all wrong as I gaffed a 25# amberjack that was destined for the smoker. More slow trolling and we released a small kingfish. Several other baits got chopped in half. All the action came on the downrigger fished 40' deep.
Sunday evening's tarpon trip turned out to be a down to the wire one. We arrived on the south side of Government Cut and immediately saw tarpon rolling and blasting baits. We put out our crabs and waited. Then we waited some more. Dusk came and went and we waited. Time clicked by and we waited. The fish just seemed to disappear. At about 10 minutes to 10, Kevin said that he was getting chilly and we would try it again on another night. I pulled in the se anchor, reeled in the bow rod, and then someone said "This reel just clicked". I watched the back rod slowly bend over and then line screamed off the reel as 100#'s of angry tarpon headed for the beach on Fisher Island. We released the fish long before it could make its way to the deep water of the main channel. Talk about your coming through at the last possible minute, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Monday (5/5) we fished a full day. Dennis and Vern got the hang of catching bait almost instantly. The well was full in no time. The ESE/SE wind had picked up quite a bit from Sunday, so I started my drifts out deeper. We moved south and kept moving south. By noon time, we were still looking for our first hit and I had covered the area from Haulover down to Government Cut. Back up off the anchorage area, I started to slow troll. That was the answer. Within 5 minutes, we caught an 8# kingfish. Then a 10# barracuda. Next it was a small brown shark on the downrigger. Then the downrigger produced a 12# kingfish, a finally a remora that Vern won the bet on for the most unusual fish. Dennis wanted to try for some dolphin, so I ran out to 495' for the last hour of the trip. Five minutes later, a turtle surfaced about 200' away from the boat. I made a comment about how dolphin sometimes follow turtles around. The bow rod hooked up right after that and then the stern rod. Both had dolphin. A larger one swam up to Dennis' fish and I tossed a bait to it and Chris was hooked to a 12# bull. We caught all 3 fish and that ended the action for the day. Chris and Suzette caught the largest fish and won the bets with their husbands. You know who was buying the round of drinks that evening.
Wednesday (5/7) evenings tarpon trip was the best of the week. Neil and Kathyrn from Brentwood, England were visiting their friend Neil from Coral Gables. Most of their vacation was spent fishing both offshore and at Flamingo. Before going home on Friday, they wanted another round of catching large tarpon. Half way through the first drift, Neil from CG got a 100# tarpon. On the next drift, Kathyrn caught her 100# tarpon. The next drift, her husband Neil hooked up to one mean and ornery 120# tarpon. The fish went where it wanted to go and soon we were in the deep water of the main channel. All the action was caught on film, so there will be no denying the pain and suffering that he went through to catch that great tarpon. After regrouping, the action wasn't over yet. Neil from CG then caught a 40# fish and Kathyrn got another turn and also caught a 40# fish. We tried hard for another fish for Neil, but it was just not to be. As they put it, 5 for 5 with 3 very tired and worn out anglers and one happy guide. I couldn't have said it better myself. Every fish was caught on a crab.
Thursday (5/8) evening tarpon fishing once again. What a difference a day makes. Dennis and Vern from Nebraska wanted to catch a tarpon after seeing them feeding on the scraps as I cleaned their fish on Monday afternoon. There were just a few fish rolling when we arrived at the Cut. There were 7 boats trying to get a tarpon to feed. Finally, just after the sun set, we hooked up and by the time Vern had picked up the rod, the fish jumped and threw the hook. I quickly set up again and hooked up solid this time. We were gaining line back and then it went slack. The tarpon bit through the leader. Another quick reset and this time, Dennis hooked up and we caught and released a very feisty 40# tarpon. After that, the fish disappeared and we got no more bites the remained of the evening.
I'll be fishing for 3/4 of a day tomorrow and then on Sunday, it off to Marsh Harbour for a week where I'll be a part of the crew on the 45' Hatteras "Bill Time". We'll be fishing in the Bertram-Hatteras Shoot Out. See you all in a week.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 8:24 pm: | |
Subject: Kingfish, Dolphin, Tarpon, and RAIN!!
Rain Rain Go Away. It is only human nature that when it hasn't rained for a while, we want it to. Then when it finally does rain, we want it to stop. The tarpon charter I had scheduled for this evening has been postponed till tomorrow evening. The tarpon action has been GREAT, both @ Government Cut and in the Bay. At Government, they are definitely showing a better preference for crabs over shrimp, although it is still worth putting a shrimp out. In the Bay, shrimp is the way to go.
On Sunday (4/27), the wind was from the west most of the day. From about 88 Street north to straight out from Haulover Inlet, there were a fair amount of kingfish. The only problem was that they were on the small side and keeping a hook in them was difficult. Both fish that we caught were snagged in the body. The other 8 strikes we had either chopped baits in half, knocked them off the hook, or pulled quite a bit of drag before the hook pulled. The strikes were in the 90-130 foot range and came on pilchards and sardines. In the afternoon, we found some hungry dolphin in 300' and caught 5.
Monday evening (4/28) we watched as several other boats hooked and fought tarpon. It was going to be just a matter of time before one found our bait. After it got dark, we hooked up and Tim Gipe fought and released a 70# fish. Then after 9 pm, we jumped a fish. The next drift, Richard Bezold had his hands full with a 90# fish that he also released. They both wanted to learn some basics about tarpon fishing in the Bay. We anchored up at the first spot and within 10 minutes we had a fish on that gave us two great jumps before throwing the hook. I dropped Richard off and while Tim and I were returning to Spinnaker Marina, we stopped at another spot where Tim got the opportunity to sight and cast to the fish. It ate his live shrimp offering and he also got 2 jumps from the fish before it threw the hook.
As we go in to May, the dolphin should become more and more plentiful. Tarpon fishing will continue on in to June. With calmer weather just around the corner, sea conditions for swordfishing will become much more comfortable. I've got some open dates, so get your group together, give me a call, and whether its dolphin, tarpon, or swords, let go catch some.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 2:58 am: | |
Subject: Dolphin, Tuna, Kingfish, & Tarpon
Take your pick, offshore or inshore, the action is great. Offshore, the dolphin have shown up as well as the blackfin tuna. There are still plenty of kingfish for those seeking them. Inshore, the tarpon action has been hard to beat for the most part.
For our Wednesday evening (4/23) tarpon trip, ENE/ESE winds @ 7-13 mph gave us a very pleasant drift. The action at Government Cut started during the dusk period and continued for every drift throughout the evening. Keeping a shrimp on the line was nearly impossible due to the bottom critters. This didn't matter though because all of our strikes from tarpon came on live crabs. The fish were in the 70-90 pound range and by the end of the trip, we were 3 for 5.
We continued to have nice sea conditions for our Thursday (4/24) morning trip. The ENE/E winds @ 10-14 mph gave us a moderate rate of drift. Michael Oshry from Hewett Harbor, NY wanted to catch some eating fish. We started just south of Haulover Inlet with the thoughts of kingfish. On the second drift, we caught an 8# king. The next drift we got a double strike with one of the two fish hooking up. By the way it was fighting, we weren't certain of what it was. After about 20 minutes Michael pulled a very nice 24.5# blackfin tuna to boatside where I gaffed the fish. For the last drift of the morning, I ran out to 400' and put out the baits. When we came in to 345', the 12# plug outfit hooked up and the chase was on. The bull dolphin dumped half of the spool on the Pflueger PFL66 reel spooled with 12# Cajun Red Lightnin' line. In the process, it made 10 tremendous greyhounding jumps. Back at Spinnaker Marina, the fish weighed 39.5 pounds. Dolphin, tuna, and kingfish was definitely on Michael's menu for dinner.
We were expecting to have some more great tarpon action on Thursday (4/24) evening's trip. The tarpon, however, had something else in mind. From the time we got to Government Cut until sunset, we saw 2 fish roll. After it got dark, they seemed to disappear. Must have taken the night off. Late in the evening, I went into the Bay in hopes of finding a few fish despite it being very late in the tide. The first spot was loaded with fish. We quickly caught one and then they got finicky. They would follow the bait and some rolled on it, but would not take it. I quickly ran to another spot were the tide was flowing a bit stronger. We hit paydirt and caught another one. That made us 2 for 2 for the evening and we were pleased with the results.
Michael Oshry was back on Friday (4/25) evening for some tarpon fishing. He brought along several outfits that he wanted to break in. I baited one with a shrimp and the other with a crab. A strong south wind @ 15-22 mph had us using a sea anchor to slow our drift down. Now normally, the fish eat fairly reliably during the dusk period. They are, however prone to being very unpredictable. We caught two fish on each of two drift about 30 minutes before the dusk period. After it got dark, we got another one. We had no bites during the dusk period. Michael then wanted to try for some in the Bay to see that method of fishing for them. Within minutes of anchoring up and putting out the baits, we caught and released a 40# tarpon. About 25 minutes later, we caught and released a 50# fish. That made us 5 for 5 for the evening. Two of the three fish caught at Government Cut ate crabs. The other fish and those caught in the Bay, ate shrimp.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 12:15 pm: | |
Subject: Good Kingfish & Tarpon Action
Let's get straight to the fishing action.
Saturday evening (4/19) Frank and Sarah McIntire were out for a tarpon trip. On their last trip with me, Sarah caught her first sailfish and their two sons each caught a dolphin. Frank never got a chance to even hold a rod, so this trip, he was the prime angler. He was anxious to do battle with a tarpon. Little did he know, but that he was about to get more than he expected. Government Cut was the place and a crab did the trick. During the dusk period, the 100# tarpon ate and headed straight for the main channel. We beat the fish to the drop off and the real battle began. One hour and 15 minutes later, Frank was very relieved when I released the fish. He was sore and stiff, but a very happy angler. You picked on a big one Frank. A couple of drifts after that produced no more strikes.
Monday morning (4/21) Paul Sagsvee along with his two sons and daughter wanted some rod bending action. Species of fish was not important. We started straight out from Haulover in 140'. The NNE/NE winds @ 11-15 mph gave us some very pleasant 1-2 foot seas. Using live pilchards on 12 & 20 pound spinning outfits, we caught 7 kingfish in the 10-25 pound range. The action took place in the 100'-120' depth range and we fished as far south as the Lotus range. The largest kingfish (25#) was caught by 7 year old Joey, who is the youngest family member. The fish was almost as long as he was tall.
Monday evening (4/21) it was back to the tarpon action. Dave and Kim Gates from Ft. Lauderdale gave Kim's dad Joe Callaert from Freehold, NJ a birthday present of an evening of tarpon fishing. Joe and his wife, Linda were looking forward to some good tarpon action after hearing all the stories. As I say, "the pressure is on." The fish were rolling in good numbers. On our second drift, the shrimp, suspended under a float to keep it away from the bottom critters, go eaten by a 90# tarpon. Joe got his first chance at a tarpon. It cooperated by not running to the main channel. After numerous pictures, the tarpon was released and Joe was hooked on tarpon fishing. After dark, the crab got eaten next. This time Kim Gates experienced the deep fighting tactics of a tarpon as it made straight for the main channel. She showed the tarpon who was boss and whipped the 60# fish in short order. Then, on the last drift of the evening, another crab got eaten and Joe caught and released his second (70#) tarpon. It was another great family fishing outing with many memories made. As Joe put it "A GREAT TRIP WITH THE FAMILY AND THREE TARPON ACTION, TOO! I'm hooked. It's tarpon fishing for me."
Tuesday evening (4/22) and a GREAT BIG "THANK YOU" to everyone who attended the MET Booster Banquet. Without your support, the MET could not remain the largest free fishing tournament in the world.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:57 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing Update Through April 18th
This week, we attempted to fish 3 times. I say attempted because one of the trips got cancelled due to a mechanical problem with one of the diesels on the big boat.
Earlier in the week, the wind continued to come out of a NE/ENE direction @ 12-21 mph. On Monday evening (4/14) we used the south jetties at Government Cut to break the wind. There were about 7 boats fishing on that evening and everyone had high hopes of a strong tarpon bite. During the dusk period, one boat hooked up solid and another jumped a tarpon. After it got dark, we hooked up solid (on a crab) to a 90# fish that never jumped. The good thing about this fish was that it ran inshore toward Fisher Island and not out in to the deep water of the ship channel. We made one more drift and decided to try the Bay. We checked out 6 different spots and never saw a single tarpon. Disappointing as it was, we were happy to have gotten the one fish.
Tuesday (4/15) had us running south of Fowey Light to find some decent conditions. Although there was still south current, the water was much cleaner and had some blue in it. Our deep baits kept getting hit by small kingfish that chopped the bait off behind the hook. Finally a fair size one ate a bait and was added to the fish box. A smaller one got released. Then it was bonitos, a fair size cobia, and we ended the day with a dolphin. Both pilchards and herring accounted for our bites and catches.
Wednesday was dental appointment day, so there was no fishing.
Thursday, Nancy and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.
Friday (4/18) we had plans to do some swordfishing. We caught a bluerunner at the fish spot we stopped at and missed another. When I pulled up to the second bait spot, the port engine on the big boat shut down and would not start again. We dropped off Bill's guests at Miami Beach Marina and limped home on one engine.
We'll be tarpon fishing tomorrow evening, so I'll be able to see if the pattern of how they are feeding has changed.
On Sunday (4/20) evening, watch the Tarpon Bay Tales with Captain Alex Suescun. We shot a TV show for his series in early March and the episode will air at 7:30 pm on the Sunshine Network.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 1:00 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing Update Through April 13th
Wind, wind, and more wind. That's how the week started out. A cold front was slow in approaching and had the wind out of a westerly direction for several days. Higher seas resulted in a cancellation of only one trip. We changed our intended plans on two other days and motion sickness found its way on another trip.
In general, fishing the area from the Key Biscayne hotels north to the Twin Towers, it has been mostly kingfish and bonito. There has been a few sailfish and a blackfin tuna here and there. Inshore, the tarpon bit has mostly been late with an average of 3 strikes per evening. Here is the daily activities.
Monday evening (4/7) was a cancel.
Tuesday (4/8) was an afternoon/evening trip. Wind from the ESE/SE @ 7-19 mph had one angler feeling the effects of motion sickness. Fishing was a struggle offshore with a catch of one kingfish. Inshore, the tarpon cooperated by giving us 3 strikes, however, they didn't want to play for more than 1 or 2 jumps each before throwing the hook. They bit late and we had 2 strikes on crabs and 1 on shrimp.
Wednesday (4/9) was a 6 hour evening tarpon trip. The wind started in the south and switch to the west during the course of the evening while blowing @ 17-26 mph. We started out by catching a mangrove snapper, ladyfish, and blue runner. Finally, we got the tarpon we were looking for and Al Trudeau from Nashua, NH caught and released his first tarpon.
Thursday (4/10) Al was back again for another evening of tarpon fishing. Despite the west wind @ 19-28 mph, the water was calm and a sea anchor was necessary to slow down the drift. Al added to his tarpon total by catching 2 of the 3 fish we hooked.
Friday (4/11) the wind was WSW/WNW @ 14-28 mph. After catching bait, we started the day by putting out 1 blue runner and catching 1 - 20# barracuda. Then it was a quick run offshore where all our action came in the anchorage area in the 100-120' range. Eight bonito kept 2 anglers very busy. Add 2 kingfish and 1 houndfish and that rounded out the day trip.
Friday (4/11) evening tarpon was almost a carbon copy of Thursday evening's trip. The fish bit late like Thursday. The wind was west @ 16-24 mph. 2 for 3 tarpon and then they shut off.
Saturday (4/12) and we finally get a break from the wind. The direction swung from WNW all the way around to WSW and was calm to 10 mph. Most of the dolphin fishermen were disappointed and a few caught a couple. In on the reef, the kingfish action was consistent. There were a lot of fish in the high teens and 20 pound range a well as many small ones. I heard of one fish that was pushing 40. Mix in some bonito, and a sail here and there and the action while not hot, was OK. We caught 2 kings including one of 23#'s, had half a dozen baits chopped in half by small fish and caught 1 out of a 3 hit bonito attack.
Sunday (4/13) was another great weather day. It was very evident by the 100's of boats that were taking advantage of it after several weekends of windy weather. SE/SW wind from calm to 10 mph gave us almost flat seas. Jim and Roz Lefevre treated Roz's nephew Jim Lynch and his wife Michelle to a day of fishing. Our afternoon/evening trip started out with catching bait at Government Cut. With ample pilchards and herring, we went straight out front and started in 130'. Before I could put out the 2nd flatline, the downrigger popped and Jim Lynch caught a 6# kingfish. Baits back out and less than 5 minutes later, Michelle caught a 10# dolphin. We moved just north of the sea buoy after getting no further action. At 118' it was Roz's turn to catch an 8# kingfish. Next, Jim Lefevre missed several small fish. It was after this that things really started heating up. Michelle Lynch caught a 15# king, Jim Lynch caught one of 18#'s and finally just after sunset, Jim Lefevre caught one @ 20#'s. Time to go tarpon fishing. The first two drifts had us hooked up. The first one threw the hook on its second jump and we pulled the hook on the 2nd fish just 6 inches from the leader touching. The it went dead. The last drift of the evening was the charm. Jim Lefevre hooked up solid to a 90# fish that we landed and released. This evening, it was two fish on shrimp and one on a crab.
Coming up on April 22nd, is the 68th MET Booster Banquet and Auction. Cocktails start @ 5:30 pm with Dinner starting @ 7:00 pm. There will be Live and Silent Auctions, Guided and International fishing trips, Tackle, Jewelry, Art, Special items for Women and Kids and lots of SURPRISES. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 at the door. Call 305 233-5535 for more info and to get your tickets. Hope to see lots of you there.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 10:35 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing's Ups and Downs
The month of April has started out with lots of wind from the easterly directions. Many of my first time clients have been experiencing motion sickness. The fishing has been running hot and cold. On some of the days when the conditions (blue water and strong north current) look really great, catching has been difficult. We all know that fishing is always GREAT, but sometimes the catching leaves a bit to be desired. With that being said, lets get in to the day by day happenings.
Tuesday (4/1) was an evening tarpon trip. E/NE 18-24 mph winds had us hiding behind the south jetty of Government Cut. It was well after dark before the fish turned on. Once it happened, our shrimp and crabs were eaten on every drift till the end of the evening. Final tally was 3 for 5 in the 60 - 90 pound range.
Wednesday (4/2) the winds were ENE @ 17-21 mph. I was expecting another late bite with tarpon. They definitely proved me wrong by doing just the opposite. They fed in the same area where they left off on Tuesday evening. We caught a tarpon on each of our first two drifts. Then they shut off. After several more hours of twitching rod type hits, we were glad to go 2 for 2.
Thursday (4/3) the wind was E @ 10-19 mph. I fished aboard Bill Time. It took us awhile to catch enough bait and we put our first baits in the water at 1 pm. The action started soon there after and was steady till we quit fishing at 6 pm. Live pilchards and herring accounted for 7 dolphin, a 25# blackfin tuna, and 1 out of a double header sailfish.
Friday (4/4) we saw ESE/SE winds @ 12-17 mph. Fishing turned out to be very tough for us. We found better conditions than on Thursday, but it seemed like the fish had vacated the area. I worked the area from the Key Biscayne Lighthouse to the Anchorage and we caught one 8 pound dolphin. It's days like this one that keeps you from getting to swell headed about your ability to catch fish. You just hope they don't come along to often.
Saturday (4/5) was the best day wind (ESE/SE 10-17 mph) wise. Aboard Bill Time once again, the bait fishing was much easier today. We actually set a record by getting our baits in the water by 11:50 am. Then the waiting began. At 4 pm, it was as if someone threw a switch and the fish turned on for us. First, we had a double strike and fought a large kingfish on a straight mono leader for 10 minutes before it bit through the leader. We had the fish to the boat 4 times and each time I reached out with the gaff, the kingfish took off. The other fish cut us off immediately. Next, we caught 2 bonito. Then a 13.5 pound kingfish. A sailfish ate a rigger bait and failed to hook up and finally we ended the day with another bonito.
Sunday (4/6) and the wind picked back up to ESE/SE @ 15-20 mph. Another day of perfect looking conditions and a general lack of fish. After several drifts in the blue water with flatlines, downrigger, and kite baits, were drifted in to the green water at the south end of the Anchorage. The downrigger line hooked up and like kingfish normally do when they see the boat for the first time, they take off. The only problems was that this fish pulled the hook when it ran. I started slow trolling in the 70-105 foot range and it didn't take long for another strike. Teeth marks in the bait. Then another strike, cut off behind the gills. Finally, a solid (at least I thought) hookup. The fish made several strong runs back and forth across the stern. It came to the surface and stuck its head up and shook. YEP, you guessed it, the king shook the hook loose. More slow trolling only produced a remora. Back out to the blue water and lots of live bait chumming only attracted the birds. So as we say, it was my turn in the barrel again!!!
Sunday (4/6) evening's tarpon trip had us using a sea anchor to slow down our drift in the E 15-24 mph winds. We found the fish after dark much further south than we have normally been fishing for them thus far this year. We had 3 strikes as well as a ladyfish hit. We also tried the north side for two drifts with no strikes.
That brings me up to date. I've got trips scheduled through the 15th and I'll do another report as soon as I get a break.
Tarpon fishing has been excellent thus far this season. I looked back through my records and since the season started in the 2nd week of December, I have hooked up 186 fish. We still have another 8 to 9 weeks left in this season, so there is still time to catch the tarpon of your dreams. Give me a call and lets go catch a few.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 12:18 am: | |
Subject: Steady Action On A Variety Of Fish
On Wednesday while I was cleaning Alex Szilaygi's dolphin catch, he was awestruck at the sight of several tarpon feeding on the scraps. He wanted to catch one in the worst way. We planned on going Thursday evening, however, that was the day when the severe thunderstorms moved threw our area. We rescheduled for Saturday evening.
Meanwhile on Friday evening, we fished another tarpon trip. The wind was very light and constantly changing directions making it difficult to set up a good drift. On our first drift, we caught and released a spanish mackerel that measured 32 3/4 inches. Well after dark, we managed to keep from drifting back on our baits and were rewarded with a tarpon. The next drift, a steady SW wind allowed us to cover a good area. We had two quick strikes. The first jumped off before we could get the rod out of the holder. The second made three jumps before throwing the hook. Then the action died. We moved in to the Bay and fished 4 spots. The results were 2 for 5 on 12# line. Total for the evening was 3 for 8. The tarpon have been hitting both crabs and shrimp. We have been getting 2 strikes on crabs for every strike on shrimp.
Saturday morning, it was a fishing lesson on kingfish and dolphin. Fishing aboard Sandy's boat, he learned about rigging for kings, some areas to fish, and how to put out baits. We caught and kept 2 of the 5 kings we hooked. Next it was offshore and some dolphin fishing. We found a good edge with lots of grass and debris at 8 miles out. The first method Sandy learned was slow trolling live baits. This produced 2 dolphin. Then it was trolling small lures. We caught 2 more dolphin and released one. With enough kingfish and dolphin for dinner, the half day ended all to quickly.
Saturday evening the tarpon were almost none existent. Alex was back out with me and wanted to catch his first tarpon. We were very fortunate and hooked up the one and only tarpon strike we had the entire evening. The 70# fish gave Alex all he bargained for and more. In the end, Alex won by catching his first tarpon. The tarpon won by giving him a great workout and a great appreciation for the power and stamina of these beautiful silver fish and then being released to give someone else the same thrills.
Sunday morning with a SW wind and a forecast of increasing winds with the approach of a cold front, we headed offshore in search of dolphin. We found lots of weed and floating debris. After lots of searching, our persistence paid off and we caught 2 dolphin that thrilled two wonderful lady anglers. Next it was in to the scattered patches and lots of fun catching grunts and triggerfish. The wind started to pick up as predicted as we headed in.
Sunday late afternoon, a light rain had started as we got to Haulover Inlet to do some barracuda fishing. It was already raining a lot heavier down at Government Cut. We pulled the hooks on two fish before heading south. It rained almost the entire time we were at Government Cut. It certainly didn't bother the barracuda though. Every bait we put out produced some type of action. Two 20# barracudas kept Steve Phillips and his son very busy. By now, the wind was hollowing and the air temperature was dropping quickly. We had accomplished what we had set out to do, so we called it an evening.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 1:02 pm: | |
Subject: Springtime Dolphin Make Strong Showing Today
Spring time dolphin fishing made a strong showing today. During this time of year, it is usually not necessary to make the long runs offshore that most anglers associate with dolphin fishing. All of our fish were caught in the 140-200 foot range. Except for the wind (ESE/SSE 7-17), the green water and no current were not exactly what one would call ideal dolphin conditions.
The live herring we used for bait ranged in size from small to large. The small ones were caught inside Haulover Inlet along the ICW. Within 10 minutes of putting out the baits, the downrigger popped and we had our first dolphin on. The school followed the hooked fish to the boat and Alex Szilagyi from England was amazed at the number, beautiful colors, and aggressiveness of the schoolie size dolphin. We kept several fish and I called a nearby boat over to get in on the action. Once they picked up the school, we moved back out to 200' to start another drift.
It didn't take long before we were back in action and we started releasing the fish we caught. I told Alex that the big one could come along at any time. Within minutes of my making that statement, we watched as a large dolphin hit the bait made two huge jumps and threw the hook. I quickly put out another bait and just as I closed the bail on the spinning outfit, the line came tight and this time the hook found its mark. Alex was out of breath by the time I added the 25# cow to the fishbox. Several more smaller fish were released and then the 15# bull found our bait. It also was added to the fishbox and from that point, we released the remainder of the fish we caught.
Next, Alex wanted to catch a bonito, so we moved in to the 70-110 foot range. We got cut off by a kingfish, and had two baits chopped in half by another king, however, we did not get the bonito bite before it was time to go in.
Tarpon fishing during the evening trip had us running back to Government Cut. SE wind of 12-19 mph gave us ideal drifting conditions. The fish were a bit slow to bite and our hookups were frustrating. The first fish threw the hook on its first jump. The second on its second jump. Finally the third one hooked up solid and we caught and released a 60# tarpon. It was getting late both in the evening and the tide, so we ran in to the Bay to try and find a few more fish. The first stop held one fish which we caught and released. The same for the second stop. At the third and fourth locations we saw no fish, so we called it a night and finished with a respectable 3 for 5 tarpon caught and released.
A quick reminder about fishing baits deep. Three times during the day trip, we got the action started with the deep bait. Always put a bait down deep. There will be days when all your action will take place deep and the surface baits will not be touched. It could make the difference between a slow day and a good one.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 7:50 pm: | |
Subject: Great Fishing Both Offshore and Inshore
Ted Sweeney, Jr. from Grosse Point Farms, MI was visiting his long time friend Scott Strawbridge in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A fishing trip was in their schedule. They opted for an afternoon/evening trip so that they could fish both the offshore and inshore waters.
At 1:00 pm, we pulled out of Spinnaker Marina and headed to Government Cut to catch bait. Pilchards were scarce, however, herring were very cooperative. We headed to an area just south of the Cuban Hole in 180'. A strong north wind and strong north current had the seas kicked up to 4-6 feet with 6-8 foot swells as soon as we crossed the blue/green edge. Inside the edge, the seas were 3-5 feet. Within 5 minutes of putting out the first bait, Ted was hooked to an 8 pound dolphin. Scott looked over the side and saw a 10# bull dolphin swim up to the boat. He quickly reeled in his bait and hooked up this dolphin. We put Ted's fish in the boat and immediately saw another 8# dolphin swim up to the boat and Ted was hooked up again. Both of those fish made it to the fishbox and a dolphin fillet dinner was the discussion.
A run back south and the baits were put out in 200'. When the drift reached 125', Scott hooked up to a sailfish on a 12# spinning outfit. After numerous jumps and dumping about 80% of the line off the reel, the fish threw the hook with one last jump. Back out to 200', set out new baits, and this time Ted hooked a sailfish on a 20# outfit. We released the fish and once again set up in 200'. This time the strike took place in 150'. Scott hooked a dolphin and while we were putting it in the fishbox, Ted hooked and was fighting his second sailfish. While I was leadering the fish at boat side, it made about 8 jumps on the leader. One was directly at me. I jumped back just in time to feel only the tip of its bill touch my shirt about chest high. This fish definitely wanted no part of my pulling on him with the leader. We took several pictures in the water after it settled down and then sent it on its way. The last drift before going in to tarpon fish had Scott hooked up to a very hard pulling fish that fought like a bonito. The hook pulled near the boat before we could definitely be sure.
We ran in to Government Cut and set up a drift with 2 lines out. About half way through the drift, Scott hooked a tarpon that we caught and released. Next it was Ted's turn. A few drifts after it got dark, we had another strike and the fish threw the hook on its first jump. The last drift of the evening had Scott hooked up and the fish headed straight for Fisher Island. We got lots of good pictures of the 90# tarpon at boat side before releasing it. We all breathed a sigh of relief that the fish chose not to go to the deep water of the main ship channel.
To sum up the great afternoon/evening of fishing, Ted caught 2 dolphin, 2 sailfish, and missed a tarpon. Scott caught 2 dolphin, 2 tarpon, and missed a sailfish and bonito (?). The two friends are already planning another trip next time Ted makes it down to Ft. Lauderdale.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 2:26 am: | |
Subject: Sails, Dolphin, and Tarpon
Picking up from my last report, here is the day by day run down on the fishing off Miami Beach and Key Biscayne.
Tuesday and Wednesday, we had little to no current and dirty green water. Despite these conditions, there were sailfish caught on Tuesday. Fishing from Bill Time on both these days saw us with a sailfish on Tuesday along with 2 remoras. The remoras can become very pesky when there is no current. On Wednesday, we spent some time in the 95-190 foot range with no results. Moving out to 250 feet, we found blue water and north current. We got our reward in the form of a 14# bull dolphin, 22.5# cow dolphin, and a schoolie size dolphin. All this action took place in about a 30 minute time frame and then the action stopped for the remainder of the day.
Thursday morning the conditions made a drastic change. The wind picked up and we found blue water with north current in to 85 feet. All of our action took place from the middle to the north end of the anchorage in 95-105 feet. Unfortunately, one of my anglers experienced motion sickness. When we had a fish on, the condition seemed to disappear, however, once the fish was released, the condition came right back. The half day trip flew by for all except one angler. Results were 1 for 3 on sailfish, and 1 bonito.
Thursday evenings tarpon trip had another angler experience motion sickness. As with the day trip, the condition seemed to get better with the catching of a fish. Government Cut continues to hold plenty of tarpon. Just a bit of a slow down over previous trips, but a respectable 2 for 4 evening.
Friday evening the tarpon made a stronger showing. Bob Caskill of Miami caught 4 of the 6 fish that we hooked.
Saturday evening, we had to work hard to come up with some good results. We got 2 out of 4 tarpon, with the big fish (120#) of the evening being caught by Henry Succop of Miami.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 11:21 pm: | |
Subject: HOT! HOT! Tarpon Action @ Govt. Cut
Fishing offshore has been good. Inshore, the tarpon fishing at Government Cut has exploded.
Sunday, the goal during our day trip was to catch sailfish. We started by catching pilchards and then herring. Our first drift was made at the Monument Buoy in 140'. When we reached 132' about 10 minutes later, the bow flatline got hit and we had our first sailfish. Five minutes after putting out the baits again, we got the second sailfish. For the remainder of the day we caught bonito, saw about a half dozen free jumping sailfish, and our baits got attacked by 4 Gannets.
Sunday night at Government Cut was nothing short of phenomenal. We had some type of action on every drift. Tarpon were exploding all around us. Jim Lefevre from Stewart, FL had one tremendous workout as we had 10 fish on and landed and released 8. We were only able to count 7 toward the MET Fishing Tournament because one of the tarpon (110 pounds) ate both baits I had out. The fish ranged in size from 70-150 pounds.
Monday night, it was back to Government cut for more tarpon action. Once again they were exploding on the surface. Every drift resulted in a hook up. First time tarpon anglers Todd Sandoval and his friend Jeff, both from Miami, were 5 for 5. I was watching the storm activity building to the west of us. A quick check of the weather channel had us listening to a several thunderstorm alert. We were extremely happy with our results for the evening and we decided to head in before the weather closed in on us. As I rounded the jetty to run back on the inside, we saw a wall of water heading our way. We made it to the 5th street bridge just as the rain, wind, and lightning hit us. We sat it out under the bridge and then had a very pleasant ride back to Spinnaker Marina.
Now is the time to book a tarpon charter to get in on the HOT HOT action. Give me a call, I have a few opening. Don't miss out on the action.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 10:24 pm: | |
Subject: March 15th Update
Lets get right to the day by day action starting with Wednesday, March 12th.
After having a really great day on Tuesday, the conditions changed drastically for the worse on Wednesday. Beautiful sunny weather and calm seas, but no current at all. We accomplished bait in record time and worked from 65 - 200 feet from Key Biscayne to the Sea Buoy. The results was a bonito and a dolphin. The bonito was kept for bait and the dolphin made a good meal for Bill Borkan. When we docked the boat at his house, he tossed out a live pilchard and got rewarded almost immediately with a tarpon. Another bait and another tarpon. We both laughed and said we should have stayed at the dock on this day.
Thursday, March 14th had us out kingfishing. The action started fast and furious and then quit. One fish in the box and two misses. Next it was a dolphin. Then lots of fishing and no catching. Finally we got some more kingfish action and added another to the fish box. When we found current, we got action. When the current died, so did the action.
Thursday evening tarpon fishing at Government Cut started fast. On our first drift, Elaine Davis from Gulf Breeze, Florida caught her first tarpon. The 40 pound fish showed lots of spunk and stamina while putting on a great show for the camera. Next, Tom Schaefer from Miami caught a kingfish and got two good jumps from a tarpon before it threw the hook. The tarpon ate the shrimp while Tom was putting it out. We took the scenic Bay tour back to Spinnaker Marina and along the way stopped at one of my Bay spots to give Tom another chance at a tarpon. The tarpon cooperated, unfortunately Tom got heavy handed with thumb pressure and broke the fish off. He's already planning another trip so he can make amends.
Friday morning, Tony and Diane from Chicago, Illinois took their first saltwater fishing trip. The pilchards were out on the beach and Tony got the hang of using the sabiki rig very quickly. Loaded with bait, we headed offshore and found plenty of current along with good clean blue water. It wasn't long before we got attacked by skipjack tuna. Every line we had out hooked up. Lines were crossed and it was panic city. We ended up landing one fish and rerigging the other rods. The next attack was a school of bonito. This time they swam in different directions and before it was over, both Tony and Diane had worked up quite a sweat. A dolphin was next and that is how the morning ended.
Friday evening it was back to Government Cut. We fished aboard the Niki-D owned by Greg Capra from Sunny Isles, FL. Our first bit of action was a small kingfish. The beach has been loaded with very small kings. Most are less than 24". We made a move after several non productive drifts and found the fish. Two drifts, two (55 & 70 pounds) tarpon landed and released and Greg said it was time to head for home.
That brings us to Saturday, March 15th. We fished the SFFC Bill Smith Memorial Kingfish Tournament. Rainy, windy, nasty weather greeted all the boats first thing in the morning. The rain slowly cleared and the seas subsided. We fished north of Haulover Inlet with no action, so we ran south. Off Government Cut, there was a good north current and we finally broke the ice with our first king. We added a second later in the day. None of our fish were very large. The big fish of the tournament was a shade over 25 pounds. Congratulations to all the winners.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 9:42 pm: | |
Subject: March 9th Fishing Report
The past two days we have had gorgeous weather with very light winds. Lots of anglers have taken advantage of these conditions and catching bait turned into quite an adventure on Sunday. Until the tide started moving in, the bait was in small schools and moving around. There was a lot of jockeying around and at one point I had to jump out on my bracket and push a boat away from my engines. This particular boater didn't even seem aware of the fact that he was about to crash into me. He just keep throttling up. There is lots of bait for everyone and there is no need to be a throttle jockey. Enough said on that subject.
Now for the fishing activity. On Saturday we wanted some rod bending action. We didn't care what kind of fish it was. We found it at the Cuban Hole in the form of all the large bonito anyone could ever want. Mixed in with them were some nice size kingfish. After catching our fill of bonito and a kingfish, we moved offshore a bit and further south. Even in 150' we were still attacked by the bonito. Our final count was 10 and we moved even further offshore trying to find a sailfish. We got our reward in 250' and landed and released a sailfish that ate two of our baits. When I started to pull in the kite to move back to Haulover Inlet to try some tarpon fishing, a sailfish hit the bait and failed to hook up.
At Haulover, we caught a spanish mackerel, lane snapper, and ladyfish, but did not find nor see any tarpon. It is time to try Government Cut and I'll be doing that tomorrow evening.
Sunday, we fished for a half day and after several moves and lots of searching, we found some very cooperative kingfish in 90-110 feet off the north end of the hotels on Key Biscayne. They preferred slow trolled baits to drifted baits. We got strikes both on the flatlines and downrigger (40'). Three was enough for us and we left them in a feeding mood. Add the 1 bonito we started out with and my anglers were very happy.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:35 pm: | |
Subject: March 6th Update
March 3, 2003
Tarpon fishing showed a dramatic slow down on Saturday evening. Having not fished on Sunday evening and not knowing if the slow down was continuing, Jorge Rodriguez, Robert Fernandez, and I left Spinnaker Marina at 5 PM to catch some tarpon at Haulover Inlet.
A light SE wind had us using floats for a part of the evening. The live shrimp on the P170 7/0 circle hooks from Eagle Claw were doing their part. The tide was incoming most all evening. Everything seemed perfect for some fast and furious tarpon action. We went 5 for 5 on LADYFISH that is!! As the saying goes, "The tarpon have left the Inlet & Beach area", atleast for Monday evening.
I'll be fishing for tarpon again on Wednesday evening. If the slow down continues, then it will be time to make the run to Government Cut. Check my report on late Wednesday night for the up to date information on the tarpon action.
March 5, 2003
The question I had on my mind this evening was whether or not there would be tarpon at Haulover Inlet. A slow Saturday and no tarpon on Monday evening had me wondering if the fish were moving south to Government Cut or if it was just a slow down for a few days.
The late afternoon and dusk period had us still searching for the first tarpon strike. Finally, at 7:35 pm when I was threatening to go to Government Cut, we caught our one and only tarpon of the evening. The 90 pound fish allowed us to get the catch very quickly. Then it finally realized that something was wrong and it was another 35 minutes before we actually released it. Our next drift produced a ladyfish and then fishing got tough. Live shrimp is still the bait of choice.
Each season we usually have a slow down period that lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. This year appears to be no exception. The only thing we can do is wait it out and see how long it will last. The good news is that once they make their come back, they are usually strong for the remainder of the season.
Today (March 6) was the first time that I fished offshore since Sunday. I ran the 45' Hatteras, Bill Time, owned by Bill Borkan. We left Bill's dock at 10 am and ran to Government Cut to catch bait. The pilchards were plentiful and it didn't take very long to fill the live well. Starting in the Cuban Hole area, we were presented with a south wind and no current. The kingfish and bonito were very cooperative and after catching 3 kings and 3 bonito, we ran further offshore in hopes of finding a dolphin or two. At 10 miles out and after finding nothing to fish to, I decided to put out some dolphin juniors and start trolling back in. It turned out to be the right choice. A 15# dolphin struck the starboard rod and had the clicker screaming. Bill made quick work of bringing it to the boat where Mike Dumas Jr. did a great job of gaffing and adding the dolphin to the fish box.
We'll be back out on Bill's boat again tomorrow for another wonderful day of fishing and enjoying the beautiful South Florida weather.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 11:50 pm: | |
Subject: March 2nd Fishing Report Update
When I do tarpon fishing seminars, one of the things I discuss is the fact that tarpon do not settle into any one pattern for too long. This week was a prime example of that fact.
In the late afternoon, we were getting several strikes from the fish through Thursday. That pattern changed completely on Friday. Just after the dusk period, the fish started popping baits on the surface as they made their way south through the tarpon hole. Thursday saw this pattern stop. On Wednesday, during the outgoing tide, there was a major shrimp run that had the fish feeding the entire evening. Thursday and Friday there was no shrimp run. Saturday, we saw just a few at the top of the incoming tide. Also on Thursday and Friday, the tarpon seemed to disappear after 7:30 pm. If you hung around long enough, we got one more bite each night after 9:30 pm. Saturday, the tarpon started popping baits again after dark, but not in the large numbers like Wednesday. So you can see that you just had to be there and fish the conditions presented by the tarpon. They never seem to do what you think they should.
Despite all the changes they threw at us, our week at Haulover Inlet went as follows. Monday was an 0 for 4 night. I must have had some rubber hooks mixed in with my regular ones. Tuesday, we bounced back with 3 for 5. Wednesday was the best evening with 6 for 8 including a double header. Thursday, the wind died after it got dark and we had to use floats to keep the baits away from the bottom critters. The results were 3 for 5 including another double header. Friday was a 2 for 4 night and we had to use the floats again. Saturday there was a drastic slow down. We managed to catch 1 of the 2 fish we hooked and a 6# spanish mackerel along with a ladyfish gave us some more action.
Saturday morning, we had the bottom fishing trio out again. When the first grunt came aboard, the smiles got really big. We caught a lot more. Add in triggerfish, porgy, and yellowtail snapper and the visions of the fish fry scheduled for the next day became a reality.
Sunday morning we started by looking for dolphin. No one I spoke with was having any success, so we moved back in to 200' and set up a drift. A 4.5 mph current had us flying to the north. In 185' we had a triple header hook up of skipjack tuna. All three lines crossed and the end result was that we caught 1. The next hook up acted like it might be a sailfish. It seemed as if the fish didn't even know it was hooked. After 2 minutes of fighting the fish, the hook pulled and it will remain a mystery fish. We ran back south for our last drift of the morning and as Alex Slobodski was putting his bait out, he got a strike and caught an even larger skipjack tuna.
On Tuesday (3/4/03) evening, I'll be doing a kingfish seminar at the South Florida Fishing Club meeting. The seminar is in conjunction with the Annual Bill Smith Memorial Kingfish Tournament that is being held on March 15th. The tournament is open to the general public and has cash prizes. Call 954 455-2219 for information or entry forms.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 2:51 am: | |
Subject: WOW!! - Best Describes The Tarpon Action
This may sound like a broken record, however, tarpon fishing at Haulover Inlet has been nothing short of spectacular.
On Wednesday evening, there was a major shrimp run and the tarpon where there by the hundreds to feed to their hearts content. It started with our first fish at 8:30 pm and was still going on when we left at 11:00 pm. During that time, we hooked up 8 fish, which included one double header. We landed and released 6. The fish were in the 60 - 110 pound class. I had one exhausted angler by the time we headed back in, but it was a good type of exhaustion.
Thursday evening we were hoping for the same results. We jumped a fish before it got dark and then landed and released another just after dark. The tarpon started blasting baits on the surface and we thought it was time for the fire works to begin. A boat running to the south put the fish down and we never saw them again the remainder of the evening. I moved up to the Inlet to see if the shrimp were running and we hooked up a double header and landed both fish. Then it seemed like the fish just disappeared. We never saw a single shrimp tonight. We had hoped for more, however, we where pleased with the 3 for 5 night that we had.
If this sounds like fun, give me a call to schedule a trip. Once you've caught one tarpon, you'll want to catch another and another and then you'll be hooked.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 2:47 pm: | |
Subject: Steady Consistent Tarpon Action
Normally after having a tough night keeping the hook in a tarpon such as we experienced on Monday evening with our 0 for 4 results, the next trip is much better. Tuesday evening was to be no exception. Haulover Inlet continues to produce steady tarpon action. The wind all but died this evening, making it necessary to use floats to keep the shrimp away from the bottom critters. The fish showed a preference for the Inlet and the north end of the tarpon hole. We started the evening off on the right foot with a 100#'er at the Inlet. Next, with fish busting all around us, a 50#'er gave us some great thrills at boat side when it slammed into the boat twice after I released it. Trying some of the spots to the south produced no results and had us scrambling for rain gear as an intense rain storm hit us. As the rain was subsiding, I moved back north and was rewarded with another 50#'er. I had a hunch about the Inlet and it turned out to be right. The only thing was that the tarpon only wanted to give us a brief show as it threw the hook on its first jump. Before I could rebait the hook, the other rod had a strike with the same results. We ended our evening pleased with the 3 for 5 results.
This type of action will continue till the mid June time frame. If you want to get in on it, then give me a call and lets go make some memories catching them tarpon.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 2:40 am: | |
Subject: Fishing Update February 24, 2003
This past week has gone by like a whirlwind. Between fishing and the Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic, my days and nights have been long and lots of fun.
Inshore, the tarpon continue to be plentiful at Haulover Inlet. Live shrimp is the ticket and we've been averaging 4 strikes a trip. Guy Rock from Wilton Manors and his friend Marty Stoyer from Auburn, Pennslyvania had their hands full with a double header tarpon of 100#'s and 70#'s. There was a lot of running around the boat before we landed and released both fish. Marty, who is a professional bass angler, caught his first tarpon and was amazed at how hard they pull and how high they jump. That evening, we finished with 3 for 4.
The next day, I did a really great job of avoiding the fish. We broke a line on the downrigger, had a hook turn in a bait, and finally landed a large bonito. That evening, I made up for the slow days fishing. Jim Lefevre from Stuart, Florida added to his 20# total in the MET Fishing Tournamemt by going 3 for 4.
Back offshore the following day, we made up for the previous slow day by catching 2 for 2 sailfish, 2 bonito, and 1 dolphin. Three days at the Bass Pro Shop Spring Classic was a lot of fun and I got to talk with loads of wonderful people, as well as, giving 3 half hour seminars on tarpon fishing at Haulover Inlet, Government Cut, and Biscayne Bay.
That brings us to Monday evening. Long time friends Jorge Rodriguez, Danny Batista, and Robert Fernandez all from Miami had visions of tarpon dancing in their heads. The three amigos were soon to learn that sometimes, the tarpon get their revenge. Jorge got to get eyeball to eyeball with his tarpon as it made a 6 foot high jump at boatside and proceeded to give him back his hook. Next, Robert got the rod out of the holder in time for his tarpon to make a jump and shake the hook. Everyone was rooting for Danny to be the one to hook up solid. It was not to be!! Good run, first jump, and thrown hook. Then we caught and released a ladyfish. Jorge was keeping his fingers and toes crossed as it was his turn again. We got the tremendous strike and it appeared that we were finally going to get the solid hook up. That is until the tarpon made a helicopter style jump and you can guess what happened next. THROWN HOOK!!!! This evening the tarpon won. But wait till tomorrow night. I'll keep you posted.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 12:58 am: | |
Subject: Continued Good Inshore and Offshore Action
I have been very busy with fishing trips and the Miami Boat Show since my last report. This is the first opportunity I have had to bring everyone up to date with what has been going on with Knot Nancy Fishing Charters.
One of the more unusual trips I have had was with 3 anglers who were not interested in going after sails, kings, dolphin, or tarpon. They were extremely happy with catching grunts, triggerfish, and nurse sharks. It just goes to show that everyone has different tastes in fishing. The trip was a riot. They each had their own mark for their fish and the contest was who could catch the most fish. I'm not sure whether it was Mr. No Mark, Mr. One on the Head, or Mr. Two on the Head. Regardless, they each had a ball catching fish after fish.
Jeff Godel and his friend Keith Zelles from Voorhees and Beach Haven, NJ fished a 7 am till 7 pm trip. After catching half a dozen dolphin, we concentrated on finding a sailfish for Keith. The sail found a flatline bait and Keith caught his first sailfish. Later in the day a larger dolphin ate a kite bait and a large bonito found the deep bait. Moving inshore, Keith caught and released his first tarpon on our first drift. Next drift it was a spanish mackerel. The fourth drift had Jeff hooked up to a 55# tarpon and after a very exciting battle we released his fish and called it a good days fishing.
The next morning, the wind picked up drastically and unfortunately, one of the young angler's was overcome with motion sickness. All was not lost, as we moved inshore to the protection of the jetties and caught the young man a barracuda. The action was caught on video by his Dad and the angler's comments were "This fish sure pulls hard".
One of the slower nights of tarpon fishing had Peter Pillone from Hollywood, FL catching and releasing his first tarpon on the very last drift of the evening. Another night, just before we were going to move into the Bay, we hooked up and released a dandy of a tarpon. It too, was the only tarpon of the evening and just before coming in, we added a 2 1/2 pound ladyfish.
A few nights, the wind was blowing so hard that we fished for tarpon in the Bay. It required just a bit of searching, however, when we found them, we had 6 fish one night and 3 fish the following night.
After working the Boat Show with Whitewater Boats on Saturday, we went tarpon fishing. The good bite took place earlier in the evening from the reports I received. The windy weather during the day calmed down so we had fairly comfortable conditions at Haulover Inlet. Despite this, on of the anglers started feeling the effects of motion sickness and after hanging in for a few drifts, we moved into the Bay were we found another tarpon that made our evening.
Another day at the Boat Show with Eagle Claw and Whitewater and that brings us up to date. I'll be at the Boat Show again tomorrow and tarpon fishing in the evening. This coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I'll be at the Bass Pro Shop's Spring Classic at Ft. Lauderdale. Come by the Shakespeare display and we can talk some fishing.
To sum it up, offshore there are sailfish, some dolphin, and some kingfish. One day the sail action is hot way down (Triumph Reef) south, the next day it happens off Key Biscayne, another it is the Government Cut area, and yet another, they are everywhere. Inshore, the tarpon fishing remains great off Haulover Inlet and throw in the Bay when it is to windy for the outside. Just remember that the best tide in the Bay is by far the outgoing.
I have a few openings remaining for February and March, so give me a call if you want to get out and take in some good fishing action.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 10:38 pm: | |
Subject: Sailfish, Tarpon, and Kingfish Action
I've been busy fishing and catching over the past several days and evenings. Here is the trip by trip round up of how the fishing has been.
Wednesday Jan 29th. East wind at 20 gave us rough sea conditions. We fished the area from the Monument to the Sir Scott Range and found little to no current, mostly blue/green water, and fishing was on the slow side. Bill Lumadue from Enola, PA wanted to catch sailfish and we had two days of fishing scheduled. The bright side was that he caught several 8-10 pound dolphin. At day's end, our outlook was that we had paid our dues and tomorrow would be our day.
Wednesday evening Jan 29th. Tarpon fishing at Haulover had us fishing in 68.5 to 69.2 degree water temperatures. We had to search hard to find some tarpon. We made each opportunity count and finished the evening at 2 for 2. Live shrimp is still the bait of choice.
Thursday Jan 30th. We fished straight out from Government Cut. The east wind had died down drastically and we flew the ex-light kite. In 160' we got our reward with a double header sailfish. The next drift we caught another sail in 170' and then the wind died so we couldn't keep the kite up. In the afternoon, we ran out to 400' and the wind picked back up to ex-light kite speed. At 342' we got another sailfish on the kite and as if on queue, the wind died again. We finished the day with 4 sailfish and made up for the previous day's slow fishing.
Thursday evening Jan 30th. The water temperature warmed up over 2 degrees to 71.4. The bite started later than usual and we caught and released our first tarpon at 7:35 pm. At that point, we were 1 for 4 and hoping for more opportunities. A move further south down the beach provided them, and we caught the next 3 fish on 3 straight drifts. Results for the evening were 4 for 7 on tarpon.
Friday evening Jan 31st. David and Kimberly Gates from Ft. Lauderdale wanted to catch some tarpon. Kimberly wanted to catch and experience the thrill of her first tarpon. The tarpon cooperated and during the sundown bite period, Kim found herself attached to a not to happy 100 pound tarpon. The fish made 2 jumps on its initial run. Shortly thereafter, it made a series of three jumps quite close to the boat. About 10 minutes later, it made another series of three jumps even closer to the boat. Kim hung in there like a champ and shortly there after, she showed the tarpon who was boss and made the catch. Next it was David's turn. The first fish he had on threw the hook on its second jump. The next fish made a great first run and the hook pulled when we put more pressure on the fish. Then there was a lull in the action. The final drift of the night was the charmer. Dave fought his 100# tarpon for over 40 minutes during which time, the fish never made a jump. We got some good shots of each fish at boat side and Dave's fish even soaked us all when it exploded away from the boat with a tremendous slap of its broad powerful tail.
Saturday Feb 1st. Today was a fishing lesson day aboard Jorge Bombino's 24' Robalo. We left Haulover ramp along with his son, Andy and his father-in-law and headed to Government Cut to catch pilchards and herring. Along the way he learned about several of the spring and summer time bait spots. We took the tour of the Cut area and caught our bait as we went. Next it was building leaders time and then a quick run out to the Cuban Hole. We started in 60' and drifted offshore with the NW wind. Almost immediately a kingfish sky rocketed the bait. We got lots of hits, but only one hook up. The kings were on the small side and did a wonderful job of knocking the baits off our hooks. Persistence paid and we caught another, then a double, and then a couple of bonito. In the afternoon, we switched to treble hook rigs and slow trolled our baits. This resulted in 2 more kingfish. Back at the ramp, Jorge got a list of supplies he needed and is anxiously awaiting his next trip to try out his new learned knowledge.
To sum it up, sailfishing is good, tarpon fishing is excellent, and the kingfish are snapping like crazy. Give me a call and lets go fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 10:39 pm: | |
Subject: Hot Tarpon Action Returns
With the cold weather finally easing off, it was time to find out if the tarpon have moved back in to their usual feeding places along the beach and in the inlets. At Haulover Inlet, an outgoing tide in combination with a NE wind had the inlet a bit to rough for comfortable fishing conditions, so we started down the beach.
The water temperature ranged from 68.5 to 69.2. Despite these temperatures, we had a strike on our first drift. On the tarpon's third jump, it threw the hook. Disappointing, but it answered the question about whether or not the tarpon were back. I moved a bit further south with each drift and the fourth move got us our reward. Abie Franco from Silver Spring, Maryland caught and released his first (90#'s) tarpon. The next drift had Michael Franco tangling with his first (80#) tarpon that put on a good show for us before we released it. Another drift and this time we had a double header on. Both fish jumped simultaneously and both threw the hook. Quickly rebaiting and resetting the drift, resulted in another double header. This time both fish were hooked solid. It was Nathan Franco, yes they are brothers, on one rod, and Max Dekelbaum from Surfside, Florida on the other. There was lots of dancing around one another and several trips around the boat with the end result being that Nathan released his first (70#'s) tarpon and Max added another (70#'s) to his list of released tarpon.
By this time, the wind switched to the NW and the fish turned off. We tried a couple of drifts at the Inlet with no results and all to quickly, it was the end of the evening's fishing. We headed back to Spinnaker Marina with 4 very happy anglers and a final result of 4 for 7.
If you'd like to get in on this kind of action, then give me a call or email so we can schedule a trip. Also, remember that now is the time to start booking a summer swordfishing trip. The earlier you book, the more likely you'll get the dates you want.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 3:33 pm: | |
Subject: Red Hot Sailfish Action
Sailfishing has been red hot. That is if you don't have a west wind.
Wednesday had the west wind condition prior to the arrival of the strongest cold front of the year. In a half day of fishing we caught 2 dolphin and watched a dozen other fish show little to no interest in our live pilchards. About 5 minutes before the end of the trip, a sailfish stuck its bill and sail up as if to say hello and then swam off.
Thursday, we spent the morning in the boatyard with the big boat and then caught bait in the afternoon. We picked up the owners friend at a marina and proceeded to catch all the pilchards we wanted at Government Cut for a Saturday sailfish tournament.
Saturday had us leaving the dock at 6 am to make the run to Triumph Reef to fish in the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club Interclub Sailfish Challenge. Lines in at 8 am and before we could put the first bait in the water, I watched a sail tail by the boat. Ten minutes later we had our first fish on, or so we thought, which proceeded to make a great jump and throw the hook. And this is how our day progressed. The conditions were great with wind that started in the NNW and switched around to the east and blew from 10-23 mph. At one point when the wind was switching, it almost died and had everyone cracking hard to get their falling kites in. Then it started blowing like crazy again. At the end of the day, we had seen 9 sailfish, which was a little over 1 per hour, had a legitimate shot at 7 and hooked and released 2. It was quite frustrating and had us discussing the type of hook we were using. Despite all this, the wonderful news was that 12 year old Marty Borkan took second place in the junior division of the tournament. He's already talking about next year. Way to go Marty!! Next year we'll catch every fish.
The cold weather has definitely had the sailfish bite going strong. You just have to have to be able to deal with some sloppy sea conditions. The reward has been well worth the effort. Give me a call and lets go catch some sails.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 8:49 pm: | |
Subject: Fishing Report Jan 16-18, 2003
The news on sailfishing has been very good. As a matter of fact, down right crazy on a few days. Mix in the strong kingfish bite, and you have the makings for some fun fishing. Most of my fishing has been for tarpon and that has been just as good.
Thursday, Jan 16th I had an afternoon/evening trip. The schools of herring were scattered in Government Cut and it took some searching to catch a decent amount of bait. Running straight out from the Cut, I found the same conditions that I have found on my last few offshore trips. NO CURRENT!! It seems that I'm out there the day before or after the current is running strong to the north. As is the case with no current conditions, the fish were scattered. We had a hit on the downrigger in 130' and after pulling about 30' of drag, the hook pulled. A friend informed me of some action up at the Twin Towers and we anchored up in 90'. Ten minutes later, we released a kingfish. Shortly thereafter, we caught 2 bonito and missed a few others. Not great offshore action, however, for a family from Arizona, it was dynamite. Moving inshore to Haulover, Fred Buck from Higley, AZ caught and released a tarpon on our first drift. We got some great video footage as the fish cooperated and jumped several times at boat side. His son and daughter were getting tired, so we called it a day and headed in with 4 happy anglers.
Friday evening Jan 17th tarpon fishing at Haulover Inlet. Brrrrrrrrrr is the only way to describe the conditions. The water temperature was holding above 70 and that was a good sign. Che Ma from Davenport, FL caught and released his first tarpon. Jeremy Wong from Knoxville, MD, who fished with me last year got some more tarpon fighting experience on the last drift of the evening. He made quick work of his fish and we headed back to the warmth of the marina office to fill out the MET release forms.
Saturday morning Jan 18th was the coldest (double Brrrrrrrrrr) morning thus far this winter. Long johns and 4 other layers of clothing was required to stay comfortable. Our goal was tarpon. Starting at Haulover we soon saw numerous fish rolling. On about our 5th drift, we struck pay dirt, only the tarpon had other plans and after running 50 yards, it jumped and threw the hook. Moving down to Government Cut on the north side, the water temp was colder than at Haulover. We found lots and lots of tarpon rolling and constantly moving. Try as we might, we couldn't cross paths with them. Next, it was check out the deep water of the main ship channel. Hundreds of tarpon were rolling and moving around the area like lightning. We caught a lane snapper, red grouper, and a mutton snapper, however, the tarpon had lockjaw. Back to Haulover for one final drift with the water temp dropping like a rock. We saw nor marked any fish and had no strikes.
As soon as this cold weather runs its course and temperatures moderate, the tarpon with get back to feeding more reliably. I have some openings, so give me a call and lets go catch some tarpon.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 2:18 am: | |
Subject: Dolphin Offshore & Tarpon Inshore
Before to much time passes by and the information is not as useful, let me give everyone a quick report.
Sunday, January 12th, catching bait at Government required some searching. We found no pilchards, but did find numerous schools of herring. We put our first baits in the water at 1:00 pm. There had been a good kingfish bite straight out from Government during the morning hours. We worked the 90-200 foot depths with no results. Moving offshore a bit, a large weedline in 275 feet gave us some dolphin action. The fish were in the 4-5 pound class and we kept 5 and released several.
Tuesday evening, January 14th. Time to get nocturnal and catch some tarpon. During the incoming tide, we caught 1 fish at the Inlet. Moving down the beach, we went 1 for 2. Back to the Inlet with an outgoing tide, we caught 1 of the 2 fish we hooked. Live shrimp fished on 8, 12, and 20 pound outfits gave us all out action. Total for the evening was 3 for 5 and ended a 13 for 13 streak.
Wednesday, evening, January 15th. A strong north wind had us sailing through our drifts. Around 7:00 pm, it switched to the NW and the drift became perfect. The action started with a tarpon and ended with a ladyfish. In between, we got at least one bite on every drift. The tarpon got some revenge this evening in the form of throwing the hook despite making a decent first run. That's how tarpon fishing goes sometimes and what makes it such a challenge. Our totals for this evening were 3 ladyfish and 3 for 7 tarpon.
Give me a call and schedule a trip so you can experience for yourself the challenge of catching a high flying, hard fighting tarpon.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 2:10 am: | |
Subject: More and More Tarpon
More and more tarpon are flooding into the Haulover area. This is making for some great action. Live shrimp is the prime bait. I can't emphasize enough, that circle hooks will greatly increase your hook up ratio. And the answer to the what is the best tide question that I constantly get is that as long as the tide is moving, it doesn't make any difference if it is incoming or outgoing.
Last night the action started almost immediately. Well, we had to wait about 30 seconds for the first bite. We released a ladyfish and 30 seconds after putting out a new bait, the same rod got hit again, this time it was an 80# tarpon. Then another tarpon, then a ladyfish, then 2 more tarpon. The pattern was 1 ladyfish and then 2 tarpon. We finished the evening with 3 ladyfish and 5 for 5 (you have to love them circle hooks) in tarpon.
This evening, we started the trip by watching numerous tarpon rolling all around us. The westerly wind was being blocked by the buildings on the beach and drifting was a big problem. We caught 2 blue runners and the tarpon stopped rolling as the dusk period came on. Moving down the beach to an area where there are low buildings solved the no drift problem and Greg caught and released his first tarpon. We found another one up at the Inlet and then moved back down the beach where the music we were listening to from a hotel was interrupted by the screaming sound of a clicker as an 80# tarpon took line off Greg's reel at an alarming rate. Fifteen minutes later the tarpon was released and our 3 for 4 night was complete. The unused shrimp became shrimp cocktail as soon as we got back to the dock.
Give me a call and schedule a trip to get in on the action.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 8:06 pm: | |
Subject: Good Variety Offshore
We left Greg Capra's home at 7:00 am for another fishing lesson aboard his boat. He had the bait catching process at Government Cut down pat, so it only took a short time before we were heading offshore with a live well full of pilchards.
First stop was just north of the Cuban Hole starting in 70'. With no current, the north wind was pushing us offshore and to the south. We had both flat lines out and as Greg was attaching the downrigger ball, he got interrupted to catch a fish. The 10# kingfish made a great start in the fishbox. A reset back in to 70' resulted in no strikes, so we continued to drift out to deeper water. At 130' we watched a sailfish chase our baits around on the surface before it caught one. It swam away and the rod bent over, but the hook did not find its mark.
I spotted something floating in the distance and we went over to investigate. It was a large piece (6' long) of bamboo. I threw a bait over to it and told Greg that if nothing found it within about 1 minute, then there were probably no fish in the area. The bait started acting erratic and the reason soon made its appearance as a sailfish came up charging the boat. After numerous jumps, tailwalks, and a good run, the fish broke the leader as it made one more jump. We reset the baits and when we reached 160', another sailfish showed itself, chased the baits around a bit and swam away. Now, that was frustrating. Then the action died off.
I suggested that we run offshore and see if we could find something to fish to and maybe get a dolphin. At five (5) miles out, we found a huge weedline with lots of birds working on it. We switched to dolphin juniors and trolled north for about 2 miles to the end of the weed line with no results. We headed back south and as soon as we got past the area where we first picked the line up, we caught a 6# dolphin that was added to the fishbox. Another mile down the line, we came up on some tuna feeding on the surface. They cooperated with us and we had a doubleheader on that also made their way to the fishbox.
Back at Greg's home, I cleaned the fish and we went over the days fishing to see what lessons had been learned. First and foremost, if you are not narrow minded about what kind of fish you are after, then your chances for success improve greatly. Second, don't get stuck in the rut of fishing the same area and same depths all the time. Do some exploring. That just adds to the fun of fishing. Third, when the fish are spread out offshore like they were, start trolling to cover ground and save the live bait should you find a school of fish. We didn't find the school, however, we had that base covered just in case.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 12:40 pm: | |
Subject: Tarpon With LARGE Jack Crevalle Mixed In!
Lets kick off the new year with some evening tarpon fishing. Sounds good to me, and that is exactly what we did. Haulover Inlet is the place, live shrimp is the bait, Eagle Claw L190 5/0 circle hooks at the end of a 50# mono leader, 8 and 12 pound outfits while most of the fish are in the 30-50 pound range, and now all we need is for the tarpon to cooperate.
Thursday evening the fish were rolling in the middle of the Inlet just outside of the jetties. Mixed in with them were schools of LARGE jack crevalle. The combination of a very light SSE wind and an incoming tide gave us the conditions for perfect drifting. Marking a school of fish on the recorder, had us anticipating a rod or two bending over. There would be no disappointment and very quickly, we had a double header of the large jacks running in opposite directions. We lost one and released another measuring
28 1/2 inch. Next drift and the tarpon action started. Another drift and another tarpon, then they shut off. We moved down the beach and hook up again very quickly. As often happens when you are fishing the lighter tackle, a bigger fish crashes the party. We were in a battle with a very ornery tarpon of about 80#'s on 12# plug gear. After an hour in which it made numerous long runs, three heart stopping jumps, moved offshore from 15 to 25 feet of water, and too many dives under the boat to count, the fish was released.
Friday evening's forecast called for winds of 20-25 knots from the NW. In reality, we had NW 12-21 knot winds. In combination with an incoming tide, it gave us some of my favorite conditions for drifting across the mouth of the Inlet at Haulover. The air temperature dropped quickly after sunset. Water temperature was 73.5 F. We saw nor marked any fish and moved down the beach after making 4 drifts with no strikes. It was the right move and the 12# outfit was hooked up solid. We reset after releasing the fish and the waiting started again. No more strikes down the beach had me going back to the Inlet where we found another fish that took us through the bridge into the Bay. It turned out that the fish was hooked in the anal fin. Don't ask me how the circle hook did that. Another release and back out to reset again. The fish spread out last night and we ended the evening with the two tarpon releases.
Every evening between now and about mid June, whether it is Haulover Inlet, Government Cut, or the Bay, you can expect to have some outstanding tarpon fishing. Give me a call, lets schedule a trip and you can experience the thrills of catching a Silver King. It only takes one and you'll be hooked and become a tarpon addict.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 12:10 am: | |
Subject: Last Fishing Report For 2002
You can tell that we are into the winter season. The wind has been blowing hard and the fronts are coming through at regular intervals. Warm clothing and strong stomachs are the order for the day.
My last three trips have required some searching to come up with a decent catch.
On Friday, we found dolphin in the 140-210 foot range south of Fowey Light. They were coming through in small schools and they hung around long enough to catch several fish before they moved on. There were numerous frigate birds working the area and they were putting us on the fish. A sailfish crashed the party and gave us all a thrill.
Sunday was family day on the big boat. The featured anglers were Kenny and Marty. Mom was along for moral support and Dad was there to help mate and fill in as an angler when the action got hot. We made the run to Triumph Reef and found some very pretty blue water but no current. Fishing was slow. Around 3 o’clock we started trolling dolphin juniors to try something different and to try and smooth out the bumps. Heading offshore, we came on to a weedline the likes of which I had not seen all summer. About every 200 yards trolling down this line we caught a few dolphin. Both boys were in their glory. It is just amazing how long faces turn quickly in to smiles when the fish show up.
That brings us to Monday, December 30, 2002. We fished hard, fought the rough seas, and came up on the short end. One bite where the bait was chopped off behind the gills was our result on a half day trip. You can’t always have a grand and glorious report to make after every trip. The good thing is that there is always the next trip to look forward to.
This will be my last report for 2002. It has been a great fishing year with loads of outstanding trips. I’d like to thank everyone who fished with me this year. I’m looking forward to more great trips in 2003.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 4:28 pm: | |
Subject: Inshore or Offshore, The Fishing Is Good!
As I am sitting here writing this report, another cold front is approaching the South Florida area. As is common, the winds have picked up and have been blowing 22 knots and better all morning. Prior to the approach of this front I have made several trips both inshore for tarpon and offshore.
Sunday evening the tarpon were once again at Haulover Inlet. My anglers were willing, however, the tarpon had other plans for us. Our first strike resulted in a broken line. Next, it was a thrown hook on the first jump. Our third fish appeared to be hooked well. As we were chasing it down, it turned toward us, shook its head, and gave us back our hook. It was definitely getting a bit frustrating, but when you are tarpon fishing, you're going to have some trips like this. Finally, the fourth fish cooperated and we landed and released a 40# fish.
Monday morning, I fished offshore for the first time in awhile. Catching bait at Government Cut was quick and easy. We stopped at the range marker and added a few herring to the well and then ran straight out to 140'. There was a strong current edge inside of us and as we drifted over it, David Weingartz from Dryden, Michigan caught and released his first (74") sailfish. The action continued to be fast and furious on each drift. It seemed like we were going to be having a day of ones, 1 - 10# kingfish, 1 - 30# wahoo, 1 - bonito, 1 - skipjack tuna. We missed the hook up on about 4 other fish and as we were making our last drift, I made the comment that a nice 20# kingfish would be a great way to end the great day we were having. I changed the baits on all the surface rods and about a minute later, the last bait I had put out got eaten. Five minutes later, my comment came true as I gaffed a 20# kingfish. That changed the day of ones, but Rob and his two brothers didn't mind as they were all smiles.
Monday evening, we wanted to try swordfishing, but with east winds at 18 - 24 mph, we went tarpon fishing. On our fourth drift, we got our reward and Michael Oshry from Hewlett Harbor, NY broke in his new spinning outfit on a 40# tarpon. Building seas were making each drift more and more uncomfortable, so we decided to cut the trip short and were happy to have gotten the fish we did.
To sum it up, inshore the tarpon fishing is good. Offshore, there is a mixed bag with steady action, so whether you want eating type fish or are looking for sailfish, you'll be able to find them.
Merry Christmas to everyone and may you all get everything on your fishing wish list.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 5:51 pm: | |
Subject: Circle Hooks Work Their Magic
December 20, 2002
This evening, we left Spinnaker Marina at 5:00 pm to do some tarpon fishing at Haulover Inlet. The wind was from the NNW @ 13-21 knots. The tide was incoming all evening and a beautiful full moon lit up the ocean. Jim Lefevre from Stuart, FL and I put out live shrimp on 8 and 12 pound plug casting outfits. It didn't take very long before the tarpon made their presence known.
By 6:45 pm, we had caught and released our first tarpon. The action for the remainder of the evening was fairly steady. Ladyfish were mixed in with the tarpon in the shallower depths closer to the beach.
Usually this time of year, the tarpon are in the 25 - 40 pound range. This makes them a lot of fun yet still very challenging on 8 & 12 tackle. There is always a chance for larger fish to crash the action. This evening was to be no different. Our third fish of the evening turned out to be a 90# fish that struck the 8 pound outfit. It kept us very busy for the next 30 minutes before we released the fish. I'm still not sure that the fish even knew it was hooked.
Our totals for the evening were, 4 for 4 on tarpon (3 on 8# - 1 on 12#) and 2 ladyfish. The tarpon were in the 30 - 90 pound range.
If you are looking for a way to improve your hook up ratio when live or dead baiting for tarpon, then circle hooks are the answer. The only requirement on the part of the angler is to not jerk when the strike happens. This is best accomplished by placing the rod in a rod holder and waiting for the tarpon to bend the rod over severely before picking the rod up and fighting the fish.
The tarpon are in and biting, so call or email me to book a trip. Lets get out and test your angling skills on the hard fighting, never give up Silver King.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 1:49 am: | |
Subject: The Winter Tarpon Season Has Started
The question on the minds of many tarpon anglers is: "are the tarpon in yet?" I am happy to say that the answer is a big YES!! This evening we fished Haulover Inlet using live shrimp. We didn't see any shrimp floating in the water, however, this did not make any difference to the tarpon. We landed and released 3 of the 5 fish that we hooked up. Once the shrimp begin moving with some consistency, I expect the tarpon action to get even better. Circle hooks will improve your hook up ratio greatly. Another good thing about circle hooks is that it is not necessary to bow to the fish as you would using a J style hook. Water temperature can play a key role in the availability of tarpon. Air temperature can play a key role in the comfort of the angler. Once the sun set this evening, the temperature dropped quickly. Make sure that you bring enough warm clothing. Layering is the best method to block the wind. The beauty and power of the Silver King is just awesome. Most first time anglers just stand and stare in awe when they see the Silver King make its spectacular leaps and tail walks. It is a gorgeous site to see. Now is the time to book a tarpon trip. Don't miss out on experiencing tarpon madness. Once you've caught one, you'll want to catch another and another and another. Email nkostyo@bellsouth.net or call 305 620-5896 to book your trip.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 10:43 pm: | |
Subject: 68th MET Fishing Tournament Starts This Saturday
Knot Nancy is presently at Bob Hewes Boats being outfitted with a new pair of Yamaha 200 HP HPDI engines. I expect to be back on the water by Monday, December 16th at the latest. I'd like to take this time to let everyone know that the annual Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament (MET) will be kicking off this Saturday, December 14th and runs through May 11, 2003. It is the oldest and largest free major public fishing tournament in the world and it is right here in our own backyard. The MET is open to everyone (resident and non resident). There is no entry fee and everyone who catches and enters one (that's right, just one) of the 37 different eligible species of fish will receive a beautiful 8 X 10 certificate suitable for framing. Entry is as simple as filling out a release or weigh form and mailing it to the MET. For the more competitive angler, there are numerous trophies and plaques to be won. So, you're out there fishing anyway, or you're here on business or vacation, just ask your Captain about entering your catch or stop by one of the numerous MET Weigh Stations and fill out and mail in the form.
68 YEARS and still growing!
We at the Fishing and Conservation Trust, Inc. DEDICATE "The 68th Annual Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament" to our Sponsors, Captains, Anglers, Members, WeighMasters and all of our SUPER Volunteers! These individuals and companies have supported us through the good times and the bad; your dedication and endless efforts do not go unnoticed. We are still the biggest, the best, and FREE to anyone who can catch a fish!
We invite you and your families to join us for another fun filled year on the Flats, Offshore, or Inshore for Catch, Release, Conservation, Education, and Memories that will last a lifetime!
The tarpon are beginning to show up, there are sailfish to be caught, and a lot of other species too. Call or email me to book your trip and lets enter some fish in the MET!!
For all you last minute Holiday Shoppers, remember that Gift Certificates for fishing trips are available. It is a gift that will be remembered for a long time. Once again, call or email for details.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 12:43 am: | |
Subject: Good Fishing in Miami
It's time to get caught up on the fishing reports. The weather over the past 6 days has varied from almost flat calm to downright nasty. Here is a day by day roundup.
Saturday was another bait fishing lesson, how to fish the baits, and knot tying. The herring were quite cooperative at Government Cut. Fishing from my customer's boat, he learned how to identify bait schools on his recorder. Once bait was accomplished, it was off to Key Biscayne. We started in 95' and before I could put out a second bait, the first rod was hooked up. All of our action was between 95' - 110'. Kingfish was the main action and the targeted species. Back at Greg's dock, we spent time learning how to tie a bimini twist and make a wind on leader.
Sunday, my trip got cancelled due to a mechanical problem on the big boat that was due to be fixed on Monday.
Monday's trip was moved to a later date in December so my client's son would be home from college on Christmas break and could go swordfishing with his dad.
Tuesday evening was the first tarpon trip of the season. There were 10 anglers on 3 boats. We started at Haulover Inlet, moved to Government Cut, and finally in to the Bay. At the ocean locations, we fished in winds of 15 MPH from the NE. While it was fishable, it was not the most pleasant of conditions. No tarpon were to be found by any of the 3 boats.
Wednesday, with repairs made, it was time to fish on the big boat. It was also the worst day wind and sea conditions wise. East wind from 20 to 24 knots gave us solid 4-6 foot seas with plenty of 8 footers coming through. It definitely was not a day for anyone with a weak stomach. Despite being on a 45 footer, it still was rough and nasty. What made it tolerable was the hot fishing. Live herring fished deep and in the outriggers produced 3 for 4 sailfish, 2 - 12# kingfish, 1 kingfish that got eaten by a porpoise, 5 dolphin, and 1 bonito. By days end, we were all ready for the calmer inland waters.
That brings us to today's (Thursday) action. Big boat time again, with the big difference being much calmer seas. Bill said his wife didn't want any more kingfish, however, dolphin would be fine. His sons told their dad to go sportfishing and just catch sailfish because they would rather eat anything other than fish. So our goal for today was dolphin and saifish. Live herring was our bait again today. Starting in 100', the action was non existent until we got to 320'. The birds put us on big schools of dolphin that were heading south at a very fast pace. We would get ahead of the school and hook a couple of fish. The school continued on and did not stay with their hooked buddies. Then, get ahead of them again and hook a few more. This continued leap frogging keep us in action for the majority of the afternoon. We kept about a dozen fish and released at least a dozen or more. The fish finally turned off and refused any of our offerings. Running back to the Sea Buoy, we spent about 30 minutes sailfishing without any strikes.
It's back on Knot Nancy tomorrow for a trip starting at noon and continuing into the evening for tarpon. Then on Monday, Knot Nancy goes in for a new set of Yamaha 200 hp HPDI engines. They are just in time for the beginning of the winter season here in Miami. Give me a call and book as early as possible because dates will fill up fast. You won't want to miss out on the great tarpon and sailfishing that we have here in Miami.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 12:49 am: | |
Subject: Fishing With a Handicap
WOW!! Its been awhile since I've fished offshore. The weather had us canceling a few trips and I've done some instructional trips for bait and inshore fishing. We left the dock at 9:30 am this morning for a day of offshore fishing on the big boat. We bought bait to save time. This would prove to be a good move. As we were going out Haulover Inlet, we felt a lot of vibration and the turbos did not kick in like they should have. We stopped outside the Inlet to check the engine room and found it full of smoke. We immediately shut down the starboard engine, turned on the blowers, and waited for the smoke to clear. There was no immediate danger of fire, so we put out a bait in hopes of catching a spanish mackerel. The owner was busy making calls to his mechanic so we could determine what the problem might be and decide what we were going to do. Meanwhile, it didn't take long for the pilchard to be eaten and we put a nice mackerel in the fishbox. Everything was under control in the engine room. Since the seas were 1-2 foot, we decided to work our way slowly offshore while slow trolling several live pilchards. We went as deep as 400' and then worked our way back in. All our action came in two distinct areas. In the 18 - 60 foot range, we caught 2 mackerel, 2 kingfish, and 1 sailfish. In the 275 - 300 foot range, we caught 1 shark and 1 sailfish. Everyone on board was very pleased with the action we had despite the handicap of only 1 engine. It just goes to show, that even with a handicap, you can still have a good days fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 3:30 am: | |
Subject: Swordfishing Off Miami, FL
Swordfish continue to be the prime target of many anglers here in South Florida. All summer long, calm seas made for pleasant fishing conditions. As we get later into the Fall and then Winter, windy conditions will make sea conditions very uncomfortable. During this time, we'll be looking for that day or two between fronts when the seas will calm down enough to get out and catch a few swordfish. This evening, we had our baits in the water by 6:45 pm. The radio was buzzing with boats hooking up to the north of us. At 7:05 pm, the rod with the squid bait fished 150' down took off and we caught, photographed, and released a small swordfish that was below the minimum legal length. Despite its small size, the sword gave the 50# outfit a pretty good workout. Their power and speed is amazing. We got a new bait out and before we knew it, 8:05 pm rolled around and the deep (250') rod with a live blue runner took off. While my angler was winding as fast as he could, I saw the fish swim past the Hydro Glow light and head for the bow. It swam under the boat and then circled back out to sea before making a spectacular jump and then racing toward the stern of the boat. In the process, it caught the line on the bow rod and before we could untangle the lines, it added enough pressure to pull the hook from the fish's mouth. We untangled the lines, put out fresh baits, and wondered if there was going to be a 9:05 pm bite. It didn't happen and we headed back in at 10:00 pm very happy with hooking 2 fish and landing 1. Enough just can't be said about the power and speed of this beautiful species of fish. They are just AWESOME!! If you want to experience swordfishing up close and personal, give me a call and lets get out there and catch 'em.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 8:25 pm: | |
Subject: Marco Wade Fishing on FIRE!!
Everyone dreams about the perfect fishing trip where the action is fast and furious all day long and at days end you are totally drained and exhausted. Today's Marco wade fishing trip was just one of those dream days. To say that the action was fantastic would be an understatement. In my last report on Marco fishing, I said that a coming cold front should liven up the action. The front dropped the temperature just a bit, but it was enough to really get the fish going.
During the last of the outgoing tide, the action was consistent. Mostly jack crevalles, ladyfish, and seatrout. The biggest problem we had during this time was keeping a hook in the large ladyfish. No matter how we set up on the fish, it seemed like when it jumped, the jig would go flying. No need to worry though, because there were so many ladyfish, all you needed to do was jig your rod a time or two and another fish grabbed your line.
When the tide changed and started coming in, the fish just went crazy. Massive schools of jack crevalle were chasing bait fish everywhere. It was just not one school, but up to half a dozen schools of jacks that sometimes were 20 yards wide by 30 yards deep. Every cast produced a fish. Sometimes as many as eleven casts in a row before you didn't hook a fish. Then you'd go six more casts. This went on and on for five hours. Spanish mackerel were sky rocketing all over the place while they were chasing baits. Working a spoon got use plenty of action on them. Underneath all this action, were the ladyfish. All you had to do was slow down your retrieve and they would attack your jig. At about an hour before sunset, the jack and mackerel action dropped off and the ladyfish took over. They continued until sunset. Then the action just stopped. Everything got quiet and still and if you weren't there to have experienced it, you wouldn't have known anything of that magnitude had taken placed.
It didn't matter what kind, style, or color of jig used, all you had to do was move it through the water. We used 4# spinning outfits and 2# and 4# tippet fly rods. There was just no way to keep track of how many fish we caught and released. Everyone was matching each other fish for fish. If I was pressed to put a number on our days catch, I would conservatively have to say close to 200 fish.
The weather is holding, water temperatures are still comfortable, and obviously the fish are still cooperating. So, don't miss out on this opportunity there is still time to get in on this GREAT action. Give me a call and lets go catch some.
Finally, as a reminder, I'll be at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show with Whitewater Boats on Thursday, October 31st. Then on Saturday and Sunday November 2nd & 3rd, I'll be with Shakespeare at the Florida Sportsman Show in Orlando. If you're at any of these events stop by and lets talk some fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charter
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 7:13 pm: | |
Subject: Kingfish Action Slowed Down Today
Today's action was a bit slower than yesterday. Once again slow trolling live baits seemed to be the way to get strikes. Yesterday, about 70% of our action came on the downrigger. Today it was 100%. The outfit I am using on my downrigger is spooled with the new Cajun red line (12#) from Shakespeare. Red is the first color of the spectrum that disappears (at about 6') as you go deeper in the water column. There is a saying that elephants eat peanuts. It definitely applied for the past 2 days. Every fish that we caught was on small pilchards. Large pilchards got no action and large herring didn't fair to much better. As I said earlier, the action today (half day trip) was a bit slower. We caught kingfish of 8 & 20 pounds and missed 4 other strikes. Our first fish was south of the sea buoy (115') and the 20 pounder came in 130' off the middle of the trees on Key Biscayne. There was good blue water in to about 125'. Inside of that was green water and no current. The further north you went the further out the blue water went. Tomorrow, I'm off to Marco for some more wade fishing. Stay tuned.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 11:44 pm: | |
Subject: Fall Fishing Swinging Into Gear Off Miami, FL
Before I get into today's fishing report, let me bring you up to date on the past week's fishing.
On Monday, we had another day or should I say few hours of testing reels. Catching bait was a snap, and with two throws of the net we were off and running. A squall line was advancing toward us as I set up in 160'. A SW wind had us moving offshore and reports on the radio said that the kingfish were biting deep (230'). When we got out to 200' the bow rod with the herring got hit and we were hooked up to a sailfish. As we released it, the lightning started flashing, thunder followed very closely, and the rain was closing in on us quick. We ran for cover, happy to be away from the lightning and happy we caught a sail. Total fishing time was two hours.
Tuesday night, I fished for swordfish for the first time. It was a day after the full moon and just before the moon came up, we got a bite and were hooked up solid. As is common with these great warriors, the hook pulled. We only had the one bite, however, everyone on board was ecstatic. Plans are being made to try again soon.
That brings us to today (Saturday). Once again pilchards were a snap. We ran south and caught about a dozen herring to get some bigger baits in the well. Starting in 200' off Government Cut, we watched a water spot kick up the ocean about 3 miles offshore from us. With no wind and current, we slow trolled our baits to cover ground. Moving back in to shallower water, the downrigger popped when we reached 125'. Then a flat line herring had a kingfish sky rocket it. We caught the one on the downrigger and missed the flat line fish. A quick reset and once again the downrigger produced in 108'. A couple of trips around the sea buoy got us 3 rainbow runners. Time to move south. Off the trees on Key Biscayne, we once again started slow trolling. This time the downrigger gave us a barracuda. At 200', a flat line pilchard was inhaled by a 10# dolphin. Moving back in, a school of smaller dolphin attacked us in 140'. We caught three of them. In 125', another kingfish on the downrigger was added to the box. As I was making my last pass before heading in, we watched a sailfish eating our live chum about 150 yards outside of us. We moved out to that area as quickly as we could and it came up again about 50' from us. It did not find our bait and quickly disappeared. Then the downrigger popped again and while we were fighting it, the flat lines got hit. We boated the king off the downrigger and hooked another one on one of the flat lines. Like all good things, it had to come to an end, and it was time to go in. Sum total for the day was 5 out of 7 kingfish in the 6 - 15 pound range, 4 dolphin, 3 rainbow runners, and 1 barracuda.
The Fall fishing is kicking into gear, so now is the time to make plans for that fishing trip. Give me a call and book that trip, especially if you want to fish on a weekend, as they fill up first and fast. As for swordfish, lets get some trips in while the weather is still cooperating.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 11:35 am: | |
Subject: More Hot Marco Wade Fishing Action!!
For the past three days I have been in Marco wade fishing. The Gulf was smooth, calm, and clear. It was a welcome relief from what it was like with the passing of a tropical storm and hurricane. The fish have definitely moved into the area. Action was steady most all day long, with periods of frantic action, and some periods of slow action. There were several times during the course of each day that we had five hook ups going at once. The choice of color for the jigs didn't seem to make much difference. It was the action put on the jig that got the strikes. For two of the three days, large jack crevalles and pompano showed up like clock work on one flats area as the tide began to flood. It was extremely difficult to get them to feed. We did managed to hook several fish in the 4-8# class.
On Friday, Mark and Sue Schorr got the hang of jigging from their first casts. It was a slow but steady pick all morning. The afternoon was a completely different story. Some one had a fish on most all the time. It seemed like everytime I looked over toward Mark, he was fighting a fish. Sue was not about to be out done, and she was matching him almost fish for fish. We averaged a strike about every third cast. This action kept up till we started back in at 6:00 pm.
Saturday, Mark and Sue were joined by Mike Frawley and Pam Marmin. The morning started with a slow but steady pick and picked up speed. The jacks and ladyfish were very cooperative and the seatrout made a good showing. The 2# outfit came out and Pam caught a ladyfish that is a pending woman's world record. Not to be out done, about an hour later, Mike caught a ladyfish that is also a pending men's world record. The afternoon bite was steady until about 4:00 pm. Finally we decided to do the 10 cast trick. Everyone makes 10 casts and we determine whether or not to stay based on getting some action. Sue had the hot hand and caught a large pompano. We worked the lagoon area on the walk in and caught several more fish including Mike's snook. That evening, a great meal and entertainment at Cathy O'Clark's Restaurant topped off another wonderful day of fishing.
Sunday morning had us all walking on the beach slowly until we spotted several schools of bait being destroyed by large schools of hungry fish. We caught several and continued working our way to a narrow channel between two sand bars. Here, it was a fish on almost every cast. The action lasted for 10 minutes and we continued on. At our furthest point, we once again started having consistent action that continued most of the morning. After lunch, the steady pick continued until we left at about 4:30 pm.
Each day, we had porpoise swimming as close as 20' from us. We watched with excitement every time they would chase down something to eat. Their speed is unbelievable and they usually got what they were after. Manatees were just as close if not closer.
It is almost impossible to put a number and how many fish of each species we caught as it was very easy to lose track with all the excitement. It is best to just say that we caught jack crevalle, seatrout, ladyfish, pompano, and snook. The cold front predicted for the first part of this week should move even more fish into the area. Time is running out, so give me a call to book a date.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 08, 2002 - 11:53 pm: | |
Subject: Miami or Marco, Take Your Pick
Between today and yesterday, I've had the opportunity to fish both coasts of Florida. Yesterday (10/7) on the Miami side, we spent 3 hours testing some new reels. In 130' a 13# dolphin taxed the drag system on one reel, a kingfish put up a good fight in 160', missed several other hook ups, and finally we wound up an amberjack from 375'. Our baits were live herring and bluerunners. The action has been consistent and it is well worth giving it a try.
Today (10/8), it was wade fishing at its best in Marco. The action was fast and furious all morning long and only stopped when a porpoise moved into the area. The 1/4 ounce jigs in pink/white and chartreuse/white worked on 4# spinning outfits gave us almost all the action. Maurice and Nick were not only leg weary, but arm weary too, by days end. Totals for the day were 40 jack crevalle in the 3/4 - 8# class, 20 ladyfish, a seatrout, snook, and redfish. It's a great place to learn how to catch fish on spin and plug tackle as there is plenty of action. The seasons a short one (till the end of October), so give me a call and book a trip before it's to late.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2002 - 10:13 pm: | |
Subject: Marco Wade Fishing Season Is Here!
I've just returned from a week of fishing at Marco Island. This is the time of year when the wade fishing begins to really take off. It is a short season and usually last through about the third and sometimes the last week of October. We were presented with a big challenge during the week as tropical storm Isidore was churning through the Gulf of Mexico. It was impossible to fish along the beach as 5 foot waves were crashing the shoreline all week. The water looked like milk due to all the sand being stirred up. The wind blew 20-25 everyday except Friday and several days had numerous rain storms blowing through. Despite all these trying conditions, we were able to find some fishable water at one of the major holes and in the lagoon. All of our fishing was done with 4# spinning outfits, casting 1/4 ounce pink/white, chartreuse/white jigs, and chartreuse/silver flake and rootbeer D.O.A. Terror-eyz. The sum total of our catch for the week was 39 jack crevalle in the 1/2 to 5 pound range, 21 ladyfish, 7 seatrout, and 5 out of 6 snook. Just to show how slow the weeks fishing was, this catch is below what the usual 1 day catch is when the weather is more cooperative. Now some anglers might say that it is just an old jack or nuisance ladyfish. The thing to remember is that we are using 4# line. Keeping a jumping and gyrating ladyfish on the line is a challenge unto itself. Throw in a hard pulling jack crevalle and it will test your patience as you work to subdue this never give up hard fighter. The glamour fish (snook, redfish, seatrout, and pompano) just add to the enjoyment of the continuous action. Many times we are surprised at what the next cast brings. On Friday, the wind dropped off considerably and the Gulf began to calm down. Once the milky conditions clear, I expect the fish to move back into the area in large numbers. Besides the fishing, the bird watching and shell collecting was exceptional, along with seeing porpoise feeding and manatees swimming in the some of the same areas that we fish in. Everyday, we watched white herons, snowy egrets, tri-colored egrets, skimmer birds, sand pipers, roseate spoonbills, and more busily feeding. So whether you fish, bird watch, shell collect, sun bath, or just like to be out in the sun, there is something for everyone to do. It's a great way to have a family outing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 11:28 am: | |
Subject: Good Action Off Miami Beach
It's been a while since I've been out. Today was a fish on the big boat day. As is usual when fishing the big boat, we left his house at 9:30 am. There are still plenty of small to medium pilchards in Haulover Inlet on both tides. We loaded up on bait and headed out. First stop was on the blue/green edge off the Lotus range. A strong north current in combination with SE winds had us moving north quickly with no strikes. Our next stop was in 365' off the Sea Buoy where we got our first action. Working some heavy scattered grass produced several dolphin (does everyone remember what they are?) in the 6-7 pound range. We continued working the area with no further action as we slid north. After reaching the Twin Towers area, we moved inshore some to the edge in 218'. Our deep bait got hit and 10 minutes later a 25# kingfish was added to the fishbox. We had one other small dolphin (so small we would have released it) hit our bait and throw the hook when it jumped. We stopped at Haulover Inlet on our way in to catch a few more baits to be used at his dock for snapper, barracuda, and tarpon. Take a moment to check out my new and improved web site www.knotnancy.com One of the new features is video clips of some of the action aboard Knot Nancy.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.knotnancy.com
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 9:23 pm: | |
Subject: Hot Kingfish Bite Off Miami Beach!!
Today was one of those days that couldn't have been any better even if you had planned the perfect trip. Bait was thick at Haulover Inlet. The wind started out from the SW. Starting in 85', the first rod bent over as soon as I put out the bait and set the rod in the holder. Then we missed a few hook ups and moved to the south. The wind was beginning to switch to the SE as was predicted. During the switch, we continued to push offshore during our drift. Next the bonito made their showing and the site of bent rods with the noise of screaming drags kept us busy. Mixed in with the bonito were some kingfish in the 8-10 pound range. The current was pushing us to the north rapidly so we made a run back south. By now the wind was from the SE and we still were pushing offshore. Starting in 105', the action began immediately. During our final drift, we covered the area from north of the Twin Towers to north of Haulover Inlet in a depth staring in 105' out to 125' and then back to 110' as the SE wind began pushing us back onshore. The kingfish bite was on fire. As fast as we put out baits, rods were bending over with smashing surface strikes and sky rocketing kings. The action was as hot as if we were anchored up in the fall during a major king run. We kept our limit of 6 in the 8-15 pound range, released at least 6 more, got cut off or missed the hook up on to many to count. Then the bonito attacks started. Singles, doubles, and triples as fast as baits hit the water. A brief lull in the action and then more kingfish, then more bonito. As Jeff was fighting the final double header north of Haulover, he said enough. Don't put out any more baits. Heading back to Spinnaker Marina, Jeff was resting his weary arms and the smile on his face was something to see. He can't wait to come back in the fall when the kingfish runs begin.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 25, 2002 - 6:19 pm: | |
Subject: Variety Fishing on Reef Still Best Bet Off Miami
As one of Hal's birthday gifts, his wife Pam gave him a half day charter trip. We launched his boat at Haulover ramp, purchased some live pilchards, and started our first drift in 200'. At 130', both the downrigger and flatline hooked up with a fish. Hal took the downrigger line and Pam the flat line. Pam's fish was a bonito and had some buddies, while Hal caught a 10# kingfish. We caught two more bonito and regrouped for the next drift. We missed a strike on the break away rig before moving south to the Twin Towers and offshore to 300'. This move put us back in the action. First it was a double header hook up of sharks. We landed 1 of the 2 fish that turned out to be a 4' hammerhead. Then at 240', we caught two dolphin (4 & 8 pounds). We moved back out to 250' to make our last drift. At 185' we added a 12# kingfish. At 130', I started getting rid of the remaining baits in the livewell. After a dozen baits had been tossed overboard, the ocean erupted with bonito blasting the baits. Two lines quickly hooked up and had Hal and Pam dancing over, under, and around one another to keep the lines from tangling. Throwing out another bait on a 12# spinning outfit hooked up another bonito in less than 10 seconds. This fish gave Hal quite a workout and after releasing it, he finished emptying the bait well and we watched the show. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hal!!
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 6:10 pm: | |
Subject: Snooking @ St. Lucie Inlet
September 1st and the opening of snook season is fast approaching. Many avid snook fisherman are anxiously awaiting that date with the thought of fresh fillets on their mind. For those who want the thrill of catching snook and can deal with having to release them, then now is still the time for you. With that in mind, Ron, Dave and I traveled north to St. Lucie Inlet today. They wanted to learn how to live bait for snook. We left the dock at about 6:45 am and their first lesson was catching live bait. A miss communication between the two resulted in the depth recorder being left home. No problem, this added a bit of an adventure in finding the bait. It took about 30 minutes to catch greenies (herring) and pilchards. A quick run back to St. Lucie Inlet, rig two (more lessons) rods, hook the bait to an Eagle Claw L197 5/0 circle hook, make a cast, and finally fight the urge to set up on the fish when it takes the bait. The action was fast to begin with, then it slowed, then it came in spurts, and finally it ended with a rush. We fished four different places, two of them twice during different stages of the tide, and had all of our action at one spot. We ran out of bait and had to run back out to catch some more. The final rush that I referred to earlier finished off the last of our baits, and due to some commitments on their part, we had to leave while the fish were still biting. Ron was toying with the idea of catching more bait, however, they couldn't get back to Miami late and we headed back to the dock with thoughts of another trip. The final count for the morning was 24 snook caught and released. I'll leave it up to Ron and Dave to decide who caught the most.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2002 - 5:10 pm: | |
Subject: Seatrout and More In Biscayne Bay
Today's half day trip in the bay was especially satisfying. The reason being that the person is a friend and customer and has been though some very rough times health wise. Throughout his whole ordeal, his desire to fish never diminished. He has now regained a great deal of his strength and is getting stronger day by day. We fished aboard his boat and within 5 minutes of leaving the boat ramp, we had started catching fish. Live shrimp fished under Cajun Thunder popping corks and chartreuse twister tails on a 1/4 ounce jig head gave us plenty of action all morning long. There was lots of variety, seven different species in all, with the bulk of fish being seatrout (including one that weighed 3 pounds). It was really great seeing the smile on his face, listening to his hearty laugh, and swapping fishing stories with him.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 12, 2002 - 7:41 pm: | |
Subject: Kings and Bonito Off Miami, Throw In Some Dolphin
Our goal for today was to catch kingfish, bonito, and barracuda for Eileen's grand daughter, Tiffany. Catching bait was a three step process. We started at Haulover Inlet and caught a few pilchards, sardines, and herring. Next it was to the north where there was loads of small baits. Finally, we ran back to just south of the inlet and capped off the live well with large pilchards and herring. A quick run out to 190', 2 flatline baits and one on the downrigger 60' down. In less than 5 minutes, the downrigger and a flatline hooked up to a kingfish. The flatline fish bit through the mono leader and the back third of the other fish got eaten by a large barracuda. While all this was taking place, a sailfish chased the other flatline and managed to knock it off the hook. The sail chased the bare hook to the boat and disappeared before another bait could be put out. Continuing the drift, we had action on the downrigger again, however the fish failed to hook up. Back out to 200' and another sailfish attempted to eat our pilchard. It finally dropped the bait and moved on. The next move was out to 450' amongst some scattered grass. No action out there, so we ran south to the Twin Towers area and started in 220'. At 180', the downrigger popped into action again with another kingfish. At 125', the downrigger put us on a bonito and both flatlines were cut off. The bonito had a buddy and Fred made quick work of it. Time to barracuda fish. We caught one and had several others put on a great show of jumping and running before throwing the hook. With our mission accomplished we ran back to Spinnaker Marina and kingfish steaks were on everyone's mind.
The buzz in the South Florida Area is that on Sunday lots of dolphin finally moved into the area. Several boats ran offshore looking for them today (Monday) and I heard reports from a few to doing real good. With these encouraging reports, at least for now, the success rate for dolphin fishing has greatly improved.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 6:10 pm: | |
Subject: Consistent Action for Kingfish & Bonito Off Miami
The fishing pattern over the past several days has been very consistent. Kingfish have been biting up till about 10:30 am and the bonito have been the main attraction on the reef. The kings have been hitting live pilchards and herring and can be found from 90 - 200 feet. Most of the strikes we have been getting are on the downrigger. Everyone has their favorite depth when putting out their downrigger. I have tried as deep as 100' down, however, I have the most consistent action at 60'. This holds true for both the kings and bonito. The action on the bonito has been from 90 - 215 feet. Friday, we caught 1 king, 10 bonito, and then ran offshore looking for dolphin. We found 4 large boards, 1 pallet, and 2 very large pieces of bamboo. Finding these items would have any dolphin fisherman drooling and expecting to hit the mother load. The only problem is that there were no dolphin or wahoo around any of these items. That's the way dolphin fishing has been this year. Slow to put it mildly. We ran back in and finished the day by catching 4 barracuda in the 10 - 20 pound class. Sunday, we concentrated on kings and bonito for a 1/2 day. The end result was 2 kings (10 & 14 pounds) and 15 bonito. I heard of a couple of small dolphin being caught offshore, but for the most part a lot of people struck out. Monday, another 1/2 day on the reef. Two more kings caught, missed about 4 other strikes (3 on the downrigger and 1 flatline) and 10 bonito. It's been very hot, so remember to drink plenty of fluids. The perspiration really gets flowing when your fighting double and triple header bonitos on a steady basis.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:01 pm: | |
Subject: Snook Fishing @ St. Lucie Inlet
Today, I spent 3/4 of a day fishing at St. Lucie Inlet for snook. A light NW wind, calm seas and plenty of action kept us busy. Catching greenies (herring), sardines, and pilchards was a snap. We fished at five (5) different locations during both the outgoing and incoming tides and caught fish at each location. Besides snook, we had nurse sharks of 4 and 6 feet along with a 100# tarpon crash the party. By days end, we had caught and released 18 snook with the largest being 36 inches. The action should continue through the month of August. If you would like to try this kind of fishing and you have a boat you can trailer up to Stuart, give me a call and we'll get together to do some snook fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 - 5:48 pm: | |
Subject: Action is Great If Your Not Choosy
Eileen Clark from N. Ft. Myers wanted some rod bending action for her sister Nancy Berish from Highpark, NY and her two sons Daniel Wowaka and Christopher Grotzer both 14 years old. The boys are avid bass fishermen back home and Eileen wanted them to experience saltwater fishing. The two most reliable species recently have been bonito and barracuda, so that was our plan for the 3/4 day trip. Catching pilchards and herring caught their attention first thing as the action was fast and furious. Our first stop offshore was not productive. Next, we spent some time on the blue/green edge in the Lotus range area with no results. Running further south, the edge moved in closer to shore. With a strong north current and clean blue water in to 80', we set up at the south end of the Anchorage and it didn't take long. Every drift (70'-135') produced some type of action. Whether it was bonitos or barracudas, it did not matter. The video camera was going, the digital camera was snapping and the boys were amazed at how hard the fish pulled. Every fish took us around the boat at least once and sometimes twice. Even Mom got in on the action. While I was re-rigging after a barracuda attack, Eileen put out a herring on a 12# spinning outfit. It didn't get 50' from the boat before it was eaten and Eileen took her two laps around the boat with a large bonito. Next it was time to target some large barracuda. The first fish cut us off on a rocky ledge. Daniel showed some great angling skills on the next one and we landed and released a 20# fish. Christopher was up next and when the rod bent over, he was hooked up to the grand-daddy of barracuda. The fish made 4 jumps on the initial run. Several long runs, two above the water head shakes, and a final high leap was just part of the action. Christopher fought the fish like a seasoned veteran and we released the 35# fish after a 15 minute battle. Both fish were caught on 12# spinning outfits. The smiles and joy on the faces of everyone said it all. I'm not sure that either young anglers feet touched the deck for about 5 minutes. Maybe there are not a lot of what are referred to as the glory fish around at this time of year, however, if you want action and plenty of it, then get out and enjoy the bonito and cuda action on light tackle. It sure beats being on shore and dreaming about fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 9:21 pm: | |
Subject: Good Weather & Good Dolphin Action (Finally)
The best news in a while is that there are some dolphin to be caught off the Miami area. Today, those boats that ran beyond 15 miles reported seeing little to nothing and catching nothing as well. We found two schools of schoolie size dolphin 14 and 12 miles out. The first school was around a small piece of bamboo. The second was in open water with no structure around. Lisa, along with her husband Richard, her brother Richard, and her father Richard had a blast catching 13 dolphin. We decided to run in to the reef and try it for a while as we had plenty of dolphin. There were reports of a few sailfish, a few bonito, and a few kingfish being caught. Our mono leader bait got cut off by a toothy critter, the one with the wire leader never got touched, and we missed a hook up on another fish. Everyone on board wanted to catch a few more fish. They didn't care what kind or whether it was edible or not. I ran in to do some barracuda fishing. At the first location, we got invaded by the jet ski crowd. After going out to catch a few larger baits, we tried the second spot and hit pay dirt. After landing and releasing 3 cudas and missing about 4 other strikes, it was time to enjoy the ride and weather as we headed back in.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 9:26 pm: | |
Subject: Dolphin Are Scarce - Action is on the Reef
Once again today, running and gunning for dolphin proved to be an exercise in frustration. Even trolling failed to produce. We found a propane tank floating and a large hunk of rope and netting that had no fish on it. I talked with a couple of boats that came back from Bimini and they didn't see anything to fish to or any fish during their crossing. The right move to catch some fish was running back in to the 90 - 140 foot range. Kingfish and bonito were cooperating on a fairly consistent basis. The vast majority of the hits came on the down rigger. Remember that during the summer months, getting a bait down deep via a down rigger or breakaway lead will improve the number of strikes you get.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 06, 2002 - 7:49 pm: | |
Subject: Wade Fishing
Time for a couple of Marco Island wade fishing trips. Friday was a beautiful day weather wise. Sunny all day and not even a hint of rain. The entire area is loaded with mullet and pilchards. We covered a lot of territory and the fish came in spurts. Quarter ounce jigs and 4# spinning outfits accounted for all the fish. At the end of the day on Friday, we had 5 seatrout, 4 spanish mackerel, 1 - 3 1/4 pound pompano, and numerous ladyfish and jack crevalle. Saturday started out sunny and then the storms started to build up. Our plans were to fish till noon, and that is exactly how it turned out. We got back in and just as we were driving away, the rain started. As for the fishing, we ran into two large schools of stubborn jack crevalle. One fish fed and after an intense 15 minute fight, we released a 9 pound jack that was caught on a 4# spinning outfit and jig. We chased the school down the beach and could not get another fish to feed. As we headed in the direction that we had originally planned to go, we saw another school of jacks heading our way. Once again, they just kept moving and did not want any of our offerings. Getting to our destination, we worked the area thoroughly and got a few ladyfish. Moving out to another area and some searching got a few more ladyfish, and then the lightning convinced us to get started in. Although the fishing was OK, it is no where near what it is like in the Fall. With that being said, late September and all of October is the best time to experience lots of action. The season is a short one, so it's never to early to book a wade fishing trip for that time of year.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 12:57 am: | |
Subject: Miami, Marco, and Stuart Fishing
So lets get caught up with the fishing reports. Last Saturday and Sunday I was at Marco Island wade fishing. Saturday was almost a complete wash out as it rained most of the afternoon. Very windy conditions had the open Gulf stirred up and crashing waves on the beach made it difficult at best to try and fish. A couple of ladyfish and a jack filled in the slow day. Sunday, the winds were calm, the sun was shining and fishing drastically improved. At days end, 15 ladyfish, 4 seatrout, 2 snook, and 1 jack crevalle had been landed and released. Monday it was back to St. Lucie Inlet and snook fishing. The rain and lightning has us running for shelter for about 2 hours. After the weather cleared, we caught and released 6 fish to 31 inches, 1 gag grouper and a barracuda of about 25 pounds. Tuesday afternoon, I spent an hour giving lessons on twin engine outboard motor handling. Spinning, docking, and maneuvering were the main goals and were quickly learned. Friday, it was supposed to be a half day dolphin trip. We ran and ran and ran. The big find was a floating coconut. The birds we found were searching just like us. No one that I heard of found any dolphin. Back to the reef for 1 drift and no strikes. Slow trolling baits from 100 to 230 feet and down the blue/green edge produced no strikes. A run inshore and 3 barracudas made 3 anglers very happy. That brings us to Saturday. The seas picked up a bit and before we were through catching bait, one of the angler's was feeling the effects of motion sickness. Laying down helped and within ten minutes of putting out the baits, Travis Reitmayer from Wichita, Kansas was fighting his first sailfish. It turned out that the fish was foul hooked in the shoulder, so the fight lasted for about an hour. Seeking calmer water had us running inshore to Government Cut and barracuda fishing. They were very cooperative and out of a total of 8 strikes, we successfully caught two fish of 12 and 15 pounds.
In general, the fishing has been on the slow side. Dolphin fishing has been very disappointing. We are hoping that the bonito will show up in large numbers soon and that the dolphin will too.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 17, 2002 - 6:20 pm: | |
Subject: Snook Fishing @ St. Lucie Inlet
Today I took a busman's holiday and traveled to Stuart, Florida to do some snook fishing at St. Lucie Inlet. I fished with Jim Lefevre who is one of my regular winter time tarpon clients as well as a great friend. During the summer, his passion is snook fishing. We launched his 18' Sea Strike boat at the public ramp at Sand Sprit Park. From there, it is a short run to the sea buoy where we caught pilchards, herring (greenies), sardines, and cigar minnows. Back to the Inlet where catching and releasing snook began. We ran out of bait and went back to catch more at the sea buoy. By now the tide was coming in and we anchored at a point where the bait washed around a corner with the tide. Most of the baits never made it. We finished the morning releasing 21 snook in the 4 - 15 pound range, 1 jack crevalle, 1 nurse shark 3' long, and missed the hook up on about another dozen snook. We've planned another trip for next Monday, weather and my schedule permitting. For those who have never tried this type of snook fishing (strictly catch and release as snook season is closed), it is well worth the drive. Fish with someone who has local knowledge or hire a guide. It will be a trip you will not soon forget and you'll probably want to go again and again.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 15, 2002 - 11:36 am: | |
Subject: Tarpon Are Still Here and Feeding
For those who are wondering if it is still worth while trying for tarpon in the evening, the answer is a big YES!! The biggest deterrent are the afternoon rain storms. Today it rained all afternoon. When it came time to go tarpon fishing, the weather cleared and we had wonderful weather the entire evening. Live crabs fished on the south side at Government Cut had us at 1 for 3 before we decided to try the north side. On our second drift, we hooked up and released a tarpon before heading in. The 70 and 90 pound fish were the biggest that Greg from Michigan had ever caught. He was amazed at their size, strength, and endurance and said he could get use to saltwater fishing very quickly.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 3:08 pm: | |
Subject: Man Overboard - A Scary Situation
Before I get into the fishing reports for the past few days, let me tell you about an incident that took place yesterday (Sunday). It involved a man overboard situation. I had just spotted a flock of birds working over a school of dolphin in 140' of water off Government Cut. All our lines were in, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a boat that was coming very close to us. There was one lady on board and she was very obviously upset. She was screaming and crying that her husband had fallen overboard. He was there one second and gone the next and she had no idea when it happened or where he was. The seas yesterday had picked up from the flat calm it has been for several days. I had noticed that the boat had been drifting about 1/2 mile to the south of us. We immediately started heading south and while I contacted the Coast Guard, the 4 lady anglers I had on board were searching the water for the man overboard. His wife was ahead of us and we were all concerned that in her hast and panic, she might run over him. About a 1/4 mile to the south, we saw his head bobbing in the waves and saw his wife make a quick circle around him. He got her to shut the engines off and he swam to his boat and held on to the engines while he caught his breath. After pulling himself into the boat, he looked skyward and said "thank you, I made it". After making sure that both of them were OK, I reported his recovery and their condition to the Coast Guard. There is a lesson to be learned here by everyone. And that is that despite the fact that we all love the ocean and it is a beautiful place to be, we must remember that it is no ones friend. Love it, but respect it highly. For those that go fishing by themselves, PLEASE wear a personal flotation device (PFD). The whole incident could have easily turned out in a bad way. No matter how strong a swimmer you think you are, fighting 3 - 5 foot seas and current will tire you very quickly and swimming to shore from that distance out is impossible for almost everyone of us. Lets look out for one another and have a safe and enjoyable fishing and/or boating experience.
Now for the fishing reports. The have been lots of dolphin off Miami. Mostly on the small side. Yes, there have been some big ones caught. I helped with weighing a 36# dolphin caught by some anglers at Spinnaker Marina where I keep my boat. They said they caught it 6 miles out, blind trolling with no obvious signs around them, just a clean blue ocean. On Thursday, we ran 38 miles SE from Haulover and if we found a dozen clumps of grass, that was a lot. All the birds we saw were searching just like we were. We had 2 schoolie size fish in the box when we decided to go back in and try for some action in close. The blue/green edge at Government was in 200' and had a good weed line on it. We got our reward and finished a 3/4 day trip with enough fillets for several days for the 4 anglers I had on board. Friday was a very frustrating day. We trolled, live baited, run and gunned, trolled, live baited, trolled, live baited, and trolled and despite some great looking conditions, we never saw a dolphin. We caught 1 skipjack tuna that we released. That brings us to Sunday. Once again the fish were in close. We were offshore to 1000' and only found birds that were searching just as hard as we were. Early in the day we caught a couple of dolphin in the 220' range. After coming back inshore from 1000' we got all our action between the hotels off Key Biscayne and Government Cut in the 100' - 120' range. A couple of double headers with bonito mixed in with some dolphin. After assisting with the recovery of the man overboard, we ran back north and found the birds and fish again and got our reward for the day. The 4 ladies caught them on live bait, chunk bait, and with jigs. We took the scenic route back via Biscayne Bay from Government Cut to Spinnaker Marina.
The most consistent action on dolphin has been between 100 - 250 feet. The fish are small, so remember to catch a few and don't let dolphin fever get the best of you. Those venturing offshore are finding fish just a bit larger out to about 12 miles. After that, most people are reporting seeing and catching nothing. There are always exceptions, however, this has been the general trend thus far this season. It can change any day, and we are all hoping that it will.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 11:38 am: | |
Subject: Miami/Haulover Fishing Report
Tuesday evening was a tarpon trip. Live crabs got all the action. First drift, a 70 pound tarpon gave Ernie all he could handle on a 20# spinning outfit. Second drift, Nick got the rod out of the rod holder about the time the tarpon made its first jump and threw the hook. We quickly put out another bait, and within 3 minutes, the same rod hooked up to a 90 pound fish. This one took us all over the south side at Government Cut and then into the main channel. After a 45 minute battle, the fish was released and we went home.
Wednesday morning was a dolphin trip. The day before, the fish were all over and in close. We filled the livewell with pilchards and herring and headed out. The first good looking conditions were found at about 12 miles out. We caught an few and missed a few (thrown hooks) in the schoolie size. We continued searching and got into more schoolie size fish 22 miles SE of Haulover. After lunch, we found more birds, followed a frigate bird for awhile, found several floating objects, and slow trolled on several weed lines that produced no other fish. Thus far this year, the dolphin season has been very erratic. We'll see what Thursday brings us.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 11:34 pm: | |
Subject: Fast and Quick Action With Barracuda
On today's mid afternoon half day trip we fished for a species of fish that most people do not care to catch. Gino and his 3 friends wanted some quick catch and release action from some decent size fish that did not require running a long distance. With that in mind, we caught a half dozen blue runners and went barracuda fishing. Starting with a 10# spinning outfit, it took less than 5 minutes before the first cuda robbed us of our bait. The second bait had us hooked up to a 10 pound fish that made a good showing for itself. Moving up to a 12# spining outfit, we caught 3 more fish. Each was larger than the previous one, with the last one weighing in at 20 pounds. On light tackle, barracuda fishing can be lots of fun and on those days when the fishing offshore is slow, it can save the day. Just remember they have some very wicked dentures and use extreme caution when handling them.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 11:18 pm: | |
Subject: Dolphin Season Finally Kicks Into Gear Off Miami
When today's trip was being set up, Clint said it would sure be nice to catch a few dolphin and have some fish to take home. So, our mission for today was to find and catch some dolphin. While we were searching for bait, a friend came by and gave me a scoop of herring and pilchards. It was a great start and we went all the way down the beach and finished off catching bait. The wind finally calmed down, so running and gunning was very comfortable. Our first stop was a weed line in 420' off the hotels on Key Biscayne. Slow trolling down the line produced 1 schoolie sized fish. Moving further out, we caught 2 more fish under some terns in 600'. Pushing still further offshore to 1100', we found our first decent school of fish in the 4 - 8 pound range. A 15 pounder swam up and ate our live pilchard and after a brief fight, it was added to our fish box. Moving south along the 1100' line, we found more birds and the mother load of fish. Clint's friends Jack and Ernie said they had never seen anything like it. We had about 100 fish around the boat in the 4 - 30 pound class. We quite fishing at 1:00 pm and went in early to eat lunch before cleaning the fish. The half dozen fish in the 20 - 30 pound range and several in the 10 - 15 pound range gave everyone plenty of fish to take home. Mission accomplished. This was the first good day of dolphin fishing this season for me. It was nice to see several real weed lines and trash floating. It finally appears that the dolphin season is kicking into gear.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 4:34 pm: | |
Subject: Lousy Weather, But Good Action Both Off & Inshore
May 27, 2002
Today was my first day back after taking some time off to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Time has flown by and it seems like just yesterday that Nancy and I exchanged vows. I'm looking forward to the next 20 years.
The weather while I was gone was less than ideal, so it seems like I picked the right time for a break. The wind today was E/NE @ 15-20. Catching bait required stopping at two of the ocean side summer spots. We had a livewell full of pilchards and herring. We fished off the north end of Key Biscayne and all of our action took place in 70 - 150 feet of water. First thing in the morning, a frigate bird put us on a school of dolphin in 140 feet. My three anglers took 8 fish and had a ball catching them on 6, 8, 10, 12, & 20 pound tackle. Eileen wanted to catch a dolphin on her 6# spinning outfit, and the fish were the right size for her to have fun doing so. Her brother, Stephen caught his first couple of dolphin and was amazed at how colorful they were and how many were around the boat. Fred had a ball catching them on both spin and plug outfits. We chased several more frigate birds, however, they failed to put us on anymore fish. Trying deeper (300') water did not produce and strikes. Sliding in to less than 110' gave us all the bonito (little tunny) action we wanted. Double headers were the norm. Large barracudas were having a feast on the bonito. One chomp and half of Eileen's fish was gone. Stephen's fish was foul hooked and 2 barracudas left him with only the pec fins and a piece of belly strip between the fins where the fish was hooked. He could hardly believe how one second he was fighting a fish and the next there was nothing left. Meanwhile, Fred was getting all the action on video tape and camera. It's good to see that the dolphin action is becoming more consistent.
Back out for an evening of tarpon fishing with the winds forecasted at NE @ 10. What we fished in was NE @ 20-28 with rain storms rapidly blowing through. If you didn't have a sea anchor, then it was almost impossible to drift slow enough for the tarpon to find your bait. Jim's nephew Jim (didn't have any problem remembering names tonight) had never caught a tarpon and wasn't sure how well he would be able to take the sea conditions. On the third drift, he learned a lot about tarpon when a 130# fish gave him all he bargained for and then some. The good thing about this fish was that it did not go to the main channel. It released itself at boat side when it made a nice jump about 10 feet from the boat after a 20 minute battle. Jim was hooked on tarpon fishing and wanted to do it again. It took some searching, however, I found another fish (100#'s) and it was tarpon action again. After releasing the second fish, Jim was beginning to feel the effects of the sea conditions, so we called it a night. He is already planning on a reason to come back to Miami to do some more fishing for the mighty SILVER KING.
The tarpon are big and they'll be here through June. It is also good to see that the dolphin are starting to show up like they should. So, whether it is dolphin during the day, or tarpon during the evening, give me a call and lets go catch some.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 10:15 pm: | |
Subject: Ups and Downs of Fishing
Once again it is time to get caught up with the fishing reports over the past few days. In general, the conditions offshore have been less than ideal. The blue water has been out as far as 800 feet on some days. Dolphin fishing has been generally on the slow side. The bright spot about offshore is that in the late afternoon there have been some good fishing moving through the area. Inshore, the tarpon fishing has been excellent in the evenings. The fish have been feeding on crabs and the bite has been starting about the last hour before sunset till on after dark. There have been some real bruisers readily feeding. Here are the day by day report.
May 14
Tarpon fishing was hot. That is for all the other boats that were down there at Government Cut this evening except for me. We have a saying that everyone takes their turn in the barrel. Tonight was my night. It wasn't until 10:30 pm that we finally got our first strike. The fish made two jumps and not one of the rods I had out responded. We finally figured out which one it was and we were off to the races. The fish raced straight to the Cut and that is where the majority of the battle took place. We were happy to catch the one fish and when it was released, we headed home to Spinnaker Marina.
May 15
My first day fishing offshore in about a week. After last night's session with the lack of tarpon bites, I was hoping that today would not be a continuation. We ran offshore and trolled around looking for signs of dolphin. We passed by a couple of Styrofoam balls with rope attached to them and picked up an 8 pound bull. And that was it till the last hour of the day. Back inshore to 110' south of the Sea Buoy, a frigate bird was working the surface. With high hopes of some action, the outrigger line popped and we caught a 10# barracuda. Well!! It was a start. A blue runner was fired back out and immediately we were hooked to a sailfish. It made three grey hounding leaps and was streaking away from us when the line went slack. A broken leader wire was the culprit. A quick run back to when the hawks were and once again the blue runner got hit almost immediately. This time it was a large dolphin. As we got the fish about half way to the boat, the dolphin spit the bait out. What in the world is going on?? Chasing the hawks again and trolling dolphin seniors got us hooked up in no time. Other fish followed the hooked one in and we hooked up another large fish. The rod from the first fish was put in a rod holder and we were concentrating on the large fish. The rod holder fish made a jump and threw the hook. ANOTHER MISSED FISH!!! OK let's get the big on. Everything was going fine until it bit through the 50# leader and released itself. Must be that I'm still in the barrel!! As quick as the action started, it came to an end and that's the way we finished our day.
May 16
Our first bait was put in the water at noon. The highlight of the next 4 hours was a remora. Running offshore again, we watched as a free jumping dolphin was getting out of Dodge. That fish made a dozen leaps and did the 300 yard dash in about 10 seconds. Something big must be in the area. Another 30 minutes of trolling produced nothing. Working our way back north, we found a large group of birds working over busting tuna. We hooked three skipjack tuna and the barrel time was over. We turned to the west to start in and before we went a 1/4 mile, I watched a good sized fish grab the dolphin senior on the center flatline. It showed its self in a matter of seconds. A white marlin of about 70 pounds. We were almost spooled twice, and survived a possible cut off from a freighter that passed within 100 feet of us as the fish was moving offshore. We released the fish and were late getting back in, however, Bill didn't mind being late to his dinner engagement.
May 17
Catching bait today was very easy. Sometimes that's an indication that the fishing offshore might be slow. One our first drift, we missed a kingfish on the downrigger. Next it was a double header bonito. Then a king cut off the hook on a straight mono leader. Then the action went dead. Several moves with no action, so it was time for a trip offshore. Once again we found the tuna action. Today we hooked one and lost it when it shot its head. After chasing the fish to Hallandale, we called it quits and came back inshore. The downrigger produced a spanish mackerel and moving back to the Haulover Inlet area, we caught a 12# kingfish to finish our day.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
pete
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 10:17 pm: | |
Subject: nick
dave.ck nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 1:50 am: | |
Subject: Continued Consistent Good Tarpon Action In Miami
Consistent good tarpon action continued this evening. Over the weekend, the tarpon action was after the sun went down. This evening, the action began when the sun got low in the sky and continued on after dark. Government Cut on the south side is where all the action took place. Live crabs where the bait of choice this evening. Our first strike came when the sun was setting. The 90 pound tarpon put on a good show and made it to the main channel where we released it. The next drift had us hooked up to a 100 pound fish that also made it to the main channel. The fish made 4 spectacular jumps during the fight and worked it way to in front of the Miami Beach marina before we released the fish. Back out to the south side and one drift with no strikes. We set up our last drift of the evening and were enjoying some great fish stories conversation when the 20# spinning outfit sang out again. We made quick work of a stubborn 80 pound tarpon and enjoyed a beautiful ride back to Spinnaker Marina via Biscayne Bay.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 4:54 am: | |
Subject: HOT! HOT! Tarpon Action
For the past three evenings, we have been tarpon fishing at Government Cut. The fish have been hitting both live crabs and shrimp. During the outgoing tide, there has been a decent shrimp run. Prior to the outgoing tide and before dark, crabs have been the ticket.
On Monday evening May 6th, the goal was to learn about fishing for tarpon in the bay. While waiting for the conditions to get right, we fished on the south side. We missed hooking up on the first strike, but the second was a different story. Herb Orth of Miami had all he could handle while fighting a 110# tarpon. After landing and releasing the fish it was time to go into the bay. The first spot had no fish. At the second location, we caught 2 large mangrove snapper before the tarpon made its appearance. Jack Plummer of Miami, learned how to still get in some tarpon fishing even when the wind is blowing to hard to fish outside.
Tuesday evening May 7th was another of those dream trips. Before dark we caught and released a 130# tarpon. After it got dark, we put out a shrimp and crab. Almost every drift produced a strike. When the evening came to an end, the final tally for tarpon was 7 for 7. Them Eagle Claw L197 5/0 Circle Hooks sure did their job this evening.
Wednesday evening May 8th was a very challenging event. There were about 7 boats fishing on the south side of Government Cut. Two were anchored and the rest were drifting. As if on cue, the tarpon started biting during the late dusk period. Our first fish lead us toward another boat that was fighting a fish. Then it ran for a channel marker in the cut. We were still catching up to the fish when the hook pulled. Can't explain why, it just pulled. The second fish made a dash for the main cut and in the process swam under the anchored flats skiff. Some how we got our line under the skiff, past its anchor rope, and maneuvered between it and the jetties and continued chasing the fish. Next the fish swam under an inbound freighter and did not get cut off. We finally landed it on the north side. Our next hook up turned out to be the fish of the night. Once again it made a dash for the anchored flats skiff. This time we were able to stop it. When we got it up, it was a 30# permit. Some quick pictures and it was released. The final score for this evening was 2 for 3 in tarpon and the permit.
Tarpon fishing will remain very good throughout May and in to June. The fish will be averaging 90 pounds and up. If you have always wanted to catch a 100 pound or bigger tarpon, this is the time of the season when you will have your best shot. Give it a try or call me @ 305 620-5896 to book a charter.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 10:10 pm: | |
Subject: Sails, Tarpon, Dolphin, and Kings Take Your Pick
Time once again to get caught up with the fishing reports. Saturday was a day of one fish per trip. Things changed for the better on Sunday.
May 4th
A half day in the morning aboard my customer's boat. Sandy and his son, Dave wanted to catch a sailfish. A good blue/green edge with a strong north current were just the conditions needed. The word up and down the line from Government Cut to Haulover was slow fishing. On the 4th drift, we got our reward when a sailfish ate our pilchard and Sandy was in a battle with his first sailfish. This fish did everything a sail is supposed to do and then some. It must have thought it was a marlin with the way it greyhounded away from us. We had a handicap as one of Sandy's engines would not crank. The fish stripped about 90% of the line from the reel on its first run before we started chasing it on one engine. After a 45 minute battle, we released the sail.
During the evening tarpon trip, no matter where I set up my drift, it seemed like the fish were always rolling about 100 feet to the north of me. The live crabs finally did the trick during the last part of the dusk period. Randy Wong from Washington, DC was watching as line was melting off the reel at an alarming rate. The 100 pound tarpon wanted no part of us. We would catch up to it and then the tarpon would take off on another sizzling run. It was a see saw battle for the first 15 minutes. Then the fish started gulping air on a fairly consistent basis. We got the catch and some OK pictures before the raspy jaw finally wore through the mono leader and the fish released itself.
May 5th
Today was ladies fishing day aboard Knot Nancy. Eileen Clark and her friends Sandy, Lisa, and Dana have been looking forward to this trip for quite awhile. The first goal was to catch Lisa her first dolphin. After loading the well with pilchards and herring, we headed offshore. Between 800 - 900 feet, we found a heavy concentration of scattered weed. It took some searching, however our slow trolled herring found us a 6# dolphin and Lisa made quick work of getting it to the boat. I set up a drift in the weeds and in about 20 minutes, the 15# plug outfit with the pilchard was hooked up to a 10# dolphin and it was Sandy's turn up. After about an hour with no action. We saw two hawks and followed them around for about 20 minutes. They were searching just like us and they found no fish either. It was time to hustle back inshore as a very good kingfish bite was taking place. In 119 feet, we watched as a kingfish sky rocketed our bait 3 times before knocking it off the hook. Next drift, the downrigger got hit as I was lowering it and it did not hook up. Finally, off Bear Cut, we caught a large bonito that gave Eileen a bit of a workout. Next a 10# kingfish on the plug outfit had Dana working hard to get it to the boat. Then an 8# king put Lisa through her paces again. During our last drift, we all watch as a sailfish was chasing the live chum. It did not find any of our hooked baits. And finally, Sandy caught and released a 10# barracuda. We caught enough fish so that everyone would have a few meals. Eileen will be back in a couple of weeks for another trip, Lisa is planning a July trip and Sandy and Dana are looking forward to next year when it will be ladies day again aboard Knot Nancy.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 7:33 pm: | |
Subject: Generally Slow Offshore, Great Tarpon Action
We have just gone through a full moon period and it definitely had an effect on the fishing both good and bad. Offshore, it was a day by day struggle. Inshore, the tarpon fishing has been GREAT!! Here is a day by day round up of reports starting with April 25th.
April 25
An afternoon/evening trip. Catching bait was a snap and we headed offshore with ample pilchards. A dolphin of 8#'s hit on the second drift. While everyone was admiring its beauty, the stern flatline took off and we were fight a sailfish. Stan Southward from Colorado Springs and his son, Brian from Miami took turns fighting the fish and it was released in short order. The next drift had us hooked up to a screamer of a fish that dumped about 3/4 of the line off a large 20# spinning outfit before the hook pulled. No more hits offshore and now for the evening portion of the trip. One drift, one hook up, and Stan caught and released his first tarpon, a 90 pounder. A second drift, a second hook up and his son Brian caught a released his first tarpon, a 100 pound fish.
April 26
The offshore struggles begin. The conditions could not have been better. Blue water, calm sea conditions, strong north current and a general lack of fish. Very late in the morning, we saw a group of flying fish scattering about 50 yards from us. A dolphin hit a flatline and promptly threw the hook on its first jump. The bow rod bent over slowly and then took off. A beautiful sailfish put on a great show and was released. While we were fighting the sail, a school of small dolphin swam by and we quickly caught and released 2 fish. All this action took place in about a 45 minute time frame and that was it for the day.
Back out for another evening of tarpon fishing. It started slow and got progressively better. A few drifts with no hits and a then it started. First it was a small undersized red grouper that we released. Then our shrimp got hit by a barracuda while I was winding it in. Another hook up and the fish made no jumps while heading straight for the main channel. Shahid Karim of Miami said he was thinking that he would have to go to the Keys to get his first permit. To our surprise, he could change his plans, because the fish turned out to be a 25# permit. Several quick pictures and we released the fish. The next drift and a crab got us a 100# tarpon that Shahid and his friend Sergio took turns on. They were both awe struck about the tarpon's size and strength and are looking forward to doing it again soon.
April 27
Another afternoon/evening trip with the offshore portion being a complete struggle and bust. The conditions were perfect again, however the fish were very uncooperative. The inshore tarpon portion was a completely different story. Brian Pazolka from Commerce Twp., Michigan not only caught his first tarpon, but his first saltwater fish. The 50# tarpon ate a shrimp and the whole story was recorded on video with lots of still camera shots also. Afterwards, there were lots of hi fives with he and his three friends. That was only the beginning. On our next drift, we hooked one of the most ornery fish I have had on in a long long time. Jason Clinton of Ft. Lauderdale was not going to give up on the fish for no reason. In the main channel, we had to deal with the usual hazards, including a very large cruise ship and almost every channel marker on both sides of the cut from the end of the jetties to the Coast Guard Base. We got the official catch (leader touches the rod tip) and the whole group took turns feeling the power of the 120# fish. Video till the batteries died and lots of still pictures and the fish was still fighting. At one point, it made a jump straight up out from under the boat. Finally the fight ended and the fish was released.
April 28
A half day morning trip. The wind had picked up to E @ 15-18 and once again everything looked perfect. Toward the end of the morning, the wind began to taper off. The kite produced all the action this day. A 10# skipjack tuna was the highlight of the trip.
Evening tarpon fishing was phenomenal. The fish landed, however, was something else. Let me explain. The second drift and a large and I mean large tarpon threw the hook on its first jump. Next, we had a double header on. One fish beat fins for the cut with us in hot pursuit. The other was lagging behind us, but heading in the direction of the cut. A sailboat heading in went between us and the second fish and cut our line. Nothing they could do about it with the strong incoming tide. We started working on the remaining fish and suddenly the line broke. After regrouping, we put out two more crabs and almost immediately hooked another double header. The two fish crossed and we lost one and finally released out first fish. We had three more single hits and landed two out of that group of three. The action was none stop all evening and when all was over and done, we ended up 3 for 8.
April 29
Stan and Brian Southward were back for another day of offshore fishing. We tried tarpon first thing in the morning with no success. We caught sardines and pilchards and started just north of the hotels on Key Biscayne. Blue water, a light north current and no wind had me slow trolling two flatline baits and one down rigger bait. The downrigger drew first action with a small amberjack. Next it was a flatline and a large bonito (little tunny). Moving out deeper, we came upon two turtles mating and hook a mystery fish that made a long run before the hook pulled. Moving back in shallower, the downrigger gave us action again with a remora. By this time, we had worked our way up to Government Cut. We missed a hookup on a flatline and I quickly changed to a fresher bait on the other flat. It worked and for the second time, Stan Southward was fighting a sailfish. After a 30 minute fight on a 15# plug outfit, the fish was released and it was time to head back in. The wind created by the moving boat was a welcome relief to everyone.
That brings us to another evening of tarpon fishing. We put out our crabs and drifted and then another drift and another. We got a strike before dark and the fish came up jumping immediately and threw the hook. The we drifted and it got dark. Then another drift and another and another. It was getting a bit frustrating, however we kept a positive attitude. Finally it paid off with a hook up, catch and release. The very next drift, we did it again and then the wind switched and could not make up its mind which direction it wanted to come from. The evening ended with a 2 for 3 total.
I'll be off the water for a few days and have openings in May. Now that we are past the full moon phase, the fishing should be picking up. So give me a call, lets book a trip and go catch some fish.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
pete
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 9:40 pm: | |
Subject: capt dave
dave
check e-mail @ nkostyo/bsnet
cbk |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 12:19 am: | |
Subject: Dolphin Action Offshore
As we headed offshore today, our goal was to catch a few dolphin. Live baiting on the edge did not produce any strikes. The NE wind @ 15 had us fishing in 3-5 foot seas in the blue water. We put out a trolling spread of a ballyhoo & skirt, and two dolphin seniors. Our first strike produced a 15# skipjack tuna. More trolling and then we found it. A wood pallet in 730' that had several 4-8 pound dolphin on it. More trolling and in 800' we found a 10' long piece of bamboo tangled with rope. One dolphin of 10#'s. Back on the troll and a single. Our last fish of the day was another single in 350'. Every dolphin that we caught trolling hit a red/black dolphin senior and with the exception of the last one, all were caught in the 700 - 800 foot range.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 11:45 pm: | |
Subject: Catching Up on the Fishing Reports
Time to get caught up with the fishing reports.
April 19
An afternoon/evening trip that found us struggling for bait. The bait was all around us, just not eating our rigs. Finally got enough and headed offshore to find green water and no current. On our last two drifts before going in to tarpon fish, we caught a large bonito and a 15# kingfish. Tarpon fishing was generally quite slow. We were fortunate to hook and land a fish on two consecutive drifts. The first one was 70#'s and ate a shrimp. The next was 80#'s and took a crab.
April 20
Today was the annual MET Booster Banquet and Auction. This is our major fund raiser that allows the tournament to be free for everyone. A lot of work by everyone on the committee made the event a successful one. Thanks to all who attended.
April 21
Major mechanical problems on my customer's boat prevented us from leaving his dock. His mechanic is scheduled to arrive at 5 pm to get them engines running again.
April 22
Our morning trip started out with catching lots of pilchards. Once offshore, we found green water, south current, and no wind. Slow trolling the live bait was the key and the down rigger produced the strikes. A 10# kingfish provided some tasty fillets. A quick run out to the blue water to search for dolphin turned out to be frustrating. Nothing to fish to until we were on our way in. A small piece of bamboo held two fish. Both ate our baits and both proceeded to shake the hook.
This evening, the tarpon were rolling in large numbers on the south side of Government Cut. They definitely showed a preference for live crabs. As a warm up, we caught a 30" jack crevalle on our first drift. After it got dark, we had tarpon action on every drift. We landed and released 2 of the 5 fish that we hooked. The other 3 threw the hook on their first jump.
April 23
With his engines fixed, we looked forward to another day of fishing. A livewell full of pilchards was accomplished in short order. Running and gunning for dolphin was the goal. At the first board, we found two wahoo that looked at our baits, and then left. Six more pieces of wood and a large blue plastic barrel and we still did not have or see a dolphin. We decided to finish our day in hopes of catching a king or sail. In 110', we caught the kingfish. As we pulled in the last bait prior to going in, the sailfish chased it right up to the boat and we got the sailfish. An otherwise slow day ended on a great note.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 10:51 pm: | |
Subject: Tarpon Inshore, Dolphin Offshore
The wind continues to blow from the east @ 10-20. Tarpon fishing on Monday evening required a lot of searching. On the south side at Government Cut, we caught and released a 6# jack crevalle. We moved to the north side and found tarpon rolling on the surface. They continue to eat live shrimp with the occasional one caught on a live crab. Before dark we hooked up one that made 3 jumps and a good run before the hook pulled. Our next strike after dark was a solid hook up and we released a 100# fish. The very next drift found us hooked up again with the fish throwing the hook on its first jump.
Tuesday was an offshore day. Green water with little to no current was out to 500'. We spent most of our day in the 550-800 foot range between the sea buoy and 71 street. Scattered weed and frigate birds put us on some very finicky feeding dolphin. They were eating good as we watching them chasing flying fish. We caught them on live pilchards, trolled ballyhoo, and dolphin seniors. Mixed in with them were some oceanic bonito (Arctic's). We caught two in the 8-10 pound class.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 15, 2002 - 4:02 am: | |
Subject: Dolphin, Wahoo, Jack Crevalle, and Tarpon
In the spring, a very popular and productive way to fish is an afternoon/evening trip. During the afternoon, fishing is done offshore and in the evening inshore for tarpon. Today we left Spinnaker Marina at 2:00 pm. Catching bait was a bit on the difficult side. After checking out several bait spots, we finally found plenty of herring and very quickly caught 3 1/2 dozen. First stop was 275' off Government Cut. Before I could scoop out a second bait from the livewell, the first bait we put out got hit and Fred and Eileen Clark from Ft. Myers were busy catching dolphin. The fish were in the 4-6 pound class and we kept eight of them. Fred put out another live herring on a 15# plug outfit while I was busy rerigging rods and cleaning up the boat a bit. Just as I asked him to reel in so we could reset our drift, he said hold on I've got a bite. The fish moved quickly to the bow of the boat and then took off on a screaming run. About 15 minutes later, I gaffed a large wahoo. We were not able to weigh it, however, it measured 58" long with a girth of 22 1/2". On our next drift, the down rigger bait got hit when we reached 175'. The fish made a long first run, stopped for about 30 seconds and then took off again, all the time diving down. The line parted and when we reeled in, we found a badly frayed section. That bruiser will forever remain a mystery. Time to go tarpon fishing. I saved a few herring just in case the large jack crevalles made an appearance. As if on queue, they did show up and Eileen caught and released a 35 1/2" jack crevalle. On our third drift, I marked some tarpon on the recorder and shortly there after, Eileen was hooked up to a hard fighting 100# tarpon. Twenty five minutes later the fish was released and Eileen had caught her first tarpon. All to quickly, the trip came to an end and Fred is going to have to wait till another time to get his tarpon. Dolphin fillets and wahoo steaks will be shared with other family members and friends and Eileen will be back with her friends in 3 weeks looking for her first wahoo.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 6:27 pm: | |
Subject: Another Day of Rough Seas Off Miami
We started the day today with the intentions of fishing a full day. Catching bait (live pilchards) was accomplished without much difficulty. Once we got outside the jetties at Government Cut, we felt the brunt of the wind and sea conditions. We started in 200' and by the time I put out the first bait, one of my anglers was feeling the effects (even with the patch) of motion sickness. At 160', we caught and released a bonito (little tunny). At 106' we hooked a larger bonito that became a meal for a barracuda. Moving back out to 250', we found a deeper blue edge. I pitched out the first bait, and watched as a sailfish chased it down. Freddy Gaitan of Miami was now experiencing what he had up to this time only watched on the Saturday morning fishing shows. The sail made numerous jumps, pulled out lots of line, sounded, made some more jumps, changed directions close to the boat several times, and finally gave in to the pressure that Freddy was putting on it. The fish was released and the smile on Freddy's face said it all. After congratulations all around, we made one more drift and missed a hook up on the down rigger. By this time, the sea sick angler had experienced just about everything possible that goes with the condition. His friends showed him mercy and asked if we could go in at a half day. After reaching the calmer water inside Haulover Inlet, he began to feel better and we enjoyed the remainder of the ride back to Spinnaker Marina.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:31 pm: | |
Subject: Rough Sea Conditions Today
April 11, 2002
Fishing aboard my customer's boat today, we left his dock at about 9:30 am and headed to Government Cut to catch some live bait. The herring were very cooperative and in about 10 minutes, we had enough and were heading offshore. Starting in 90' straight out from the Cut, we worked our way out to 225' and then back in again. The E @ 23 wind gave us very rough and sloppy seas. As we were working back offshore for the second time, the flatline in the rigger popped and in short order, we landed a 15# blackfin tuna. The next go around we missed two fish and then caught an 8# dolphin. Two more missed (using circle hooks) fish and then another small dolphin that we caught and released. Just before going in, we watched a dolphin chase a bait to the surface and before it could catch it, a tern snatched it from the dolphin. Meanwhile, another tern snatched our other bait and proceeded to fly around the outrigger several time. It took some doings, however, we finally freed the bird and headed in. Fresh tuna sushi and cooked tuna where on the menu for Bill this evening.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 4:14 am: | |
Subject: Hot Tarpon Action in Biscayne Bay
OK, so lets get caught up with the last two evenings of tarpon fishing. On Monday evening April 8th, east winds @ 28 had use fishing in the Bay after making one drift outside in very rough seas. At the first spot, there were plenty of fish and they were hungry. It took about 10 minutes to get the first bite and then it was steady action. All the fish were caught on live shrimp except one, that ate a crab. Final score was 3 for 5 tarpon between 30 - 40 pounds. At the second location, once more there were plenty of fish. Live shrimp on a Hook Up jig got use 4 fish on and we landed two. So, the final score for Monday evening was 5 for 9 tarpon.
Tuesday evening April 9th, the wind was ESE @ 10 and increased all evening. By the time we were heading in, it was blowing 30. Are intensions were to strictly fish the Bay. At our first location, it was like we picked up from the previous night. Live shrimp got us 4 strikes and we landed two fish in the 40 - 50 pound class. Next spot we went 1 for 1. We checked out a third location and found no fish. Final score on Tuesday evening was 3 for 5 tarpon.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 07, 2002 - 3:43 am: | |
Subject: Tarpon Even The Score
This evening, we hide behind the south jetty to help break the NE 21 knot wind as well as using a sea anchor to help slow our drift. When it got dark, the tarpon started feeding. That was the good news. The frustrating news was that they weren't making their usual rod slamming strikes and they were jumping almost immediately. This resulted in several thrown hooks before my anglers could even get to the rod. Live shrimp were getting all the strikes with the exception of one crab that was crushed. We also had several times when the rod would begin to bend and then snap back up and our shrimp was gone. Despite all this frustration, we managed to hook two fish. Phil Heimlich caught and released his first tarpon. His brother Barry was fighting another fish and had it under control when it made a jump and broke the line. So that is how our evening ended. The final count was angler 1 and fish 4.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl/com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 9:17 pm: | |
Subject: Variety Day - Bonito, Kingfish, & Sailfish
With the livewell loaded with pilchards, sardines, and some herring, we headed out to 90' just north of the Twins. Light blue water, wind from the NW @ 10, and a south current were the conditions. The flat line baits and down rigger produced 2 kingfish and 2 bonito. As soon as I put the kite up, the wind died off to nothing and we put it away for the rest of the trip. A search offshore for dolphin turned out to be just that, a search. Back in to 90' just north of Government Cut and the action started again. A couple of cut offs by kingfish, a pulled hook, and another bonito. If I put a wire leader on the flat lines, we got no hits. Straight mono leaders got all the action. With about 10 minutes to go on the trip, we foul hooked a bonito. It was giving the angler fits on the 15# plug outfit we were using. As he was making his second trip around the boat, the rear flat line got hit and we were hooked up to a sailfish. Lee Brancaccio from Kendall Park, NJ watched in amazement as the fish made numerous jumps, tail walked in circles, and ran line off the reel at an alarming rate. The bonito finally succumbed to the pressure of the tackle and we started chasing the sailfish. As we got close, the sail decided to change directions several times, made a half dozen more jumps, and ran off about 100 yards of line. Some great camera work by the other anglers got the action shots. We released the sailfish and headed in talking about the great action we had today.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 04, 2002 - 3:09 am: | |
Subject: Dolphin Offshore & Tarpon Inshore
You can tell it is Spring time by the kind (dolphin) of fish being caught and where (less than 400 feet). Also, the bait (herring, pilchards, and sardines) is showing up at the outside spots. On a half day trip in the morning on April 2nd, we caught 4 dolphin in the 8-15 pound class and never went deeper than 170 feet. We missed a couple of fish and had a down rigger bait chopped in half. Tarpon fishing the evening of April 3rd, required some searching to find the fish. Before dark, they were rolling along the south side of the main channel of Government Cut. A strong north wind made it necessary to use the engines to hold our position over the fish. We hooked a tarpon who used its strength and the tide to cut us off on a marker chain. On our next drift, we had a rod bend over but did not hook up. Then the fish became scarce. After five drifts on the north side, we hit pay dirt. A very strong willed 80# tarpon took us to the deep water of the main channel before we got some great boat side jumping shots and released the fish.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 31, 2002 - 9:02 pm: | |
Subject: Blue Water & North Current Offshore
Back out to the offshore scene today. SE winds @ 15-20 gave us some bumpy seas. Catching live pilchards in Government Cut was a snap. Herring at the range markers were a bit on the skittish side, however, we caught what we wanted and headed out. We started in 250' straight out from Government in some good looking blue water. A strong north current pushed us past the sea buoy by the time we reached 120'. As we were approaching the blue/green edge, the downrigger rod popped up and pulled about 30 feet of line from the reel. Then nothing. Quick!! The bow flat line and the same thing happened. Please don't tell me I'm going to have another of those rubber hook days. Back out to 160' and before I could get all the baits out, the bow flat line got hit again. Pull some drag and then nothing. GOSH!! This is getting frustrating!! Back to the sea buoy and in 145' the downrigger rod got hit again and this time, SUCCESS, a solid hook up. We cleared all the lines and were in hot pursuit of a sailfish. After 40 minutes, Jordan Ditchek added another sailfish release to his total. This time it was on 12#. The edge moved out deeper the further north we got. A move back south and while I was putting out the second bait, a dolphin struck and we had some fresh fillets for dinner.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2002 - 4:37 am: | |
Subject: Tarpon Go Wild This Evening
Every tarpon fisherman dreams of the day when all the conditions are right, the tarpon are in solid, they are hungry and feeding. This evening was just one of those times. We started on the south side of Government Cut and made several drifts with no results. After it got dark, I moved to the north side and the fun began. Every drift with the exception of a couple had us hooked up and fighting tarpon in the 60 - 100 pound class. Jim Lefevre from Stuart, Florida got a real workout tonight. We had two fish that made jumps at boat side that were within touching distance and had us thinking the tarpon might join us in the boat. Another ran straight for the shoreline and seemed to try and beach itself. The final total at the end of the evening was 10 for 13. All our fish were caught on live shrimp using Eagle Claw L197 5/0 circle hooks. Now is the time to book your trip for April and May, so give me a call at 305 620-5896 if you'd like to experience the thrills and excitement of tarpon fishing.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2002 - 9:30 pm: | |
Subject: Finding The Right Size Tarpon
Jim Husk of Miami is actively pursuing the Master Angler Award in the MET Fishing Tournament. One of the qualifying fish he needs is to release a tarpon of at least 48". He made several attempts earlier in the season with his friends Greg and Phil Dunn. It seems that on the nights that they tried to catch his tarpon, the fish went in to hiding. Last night we made another attempt. The fish have been very active for several days and have been busting the surface while feeding. We started on the south side at Government Cut and after several drifts we moved to the north side. The fish were feeding just inside of our drift, so a quick adjustment had to be made. The first fish came up jumping immediately and threw the hook. Another reset and the rod bent over as soon as I locked the reel and stepped away from it. We had the right fish hooked solid and Jim caught and released a 60" tarpon. The fish then moved out of the area. Moving back to the south side found busting fish again. Phil caught and released a large ladyfish. And finally Greg released a 48" tarpon on a new Shakespeare Pflueger Trion 66 plug reel with matching IM-8 graphite rod. Mission accomplished. Congratulations Jim!! Good luck in your pursuit of the award.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - 1:32 am: | |
Subject: Good Tarpon Action
March 25, 2002
Hot and heavy tarpon fishing was the order of business for this evening until 8:00 pm. Then they just disappeared. Every drift we made up till that time resulted in at least a strike. On our second drift, we hooked a double header and Jim Lefevre from Stuart, Florida had his hands full. The first fish cooperated very nicely and we released it very quickly. The second fish made a bee line for the deep water of the main channel and we had to really hustle to catch up with it. Once in the deep water, it settled down and we were able to release the fish. Both were about 75 pounds. We missed the hook up on the next fish, and then hooked what we thought was a small fish. It turned out to be a 60 pound fish. When the conditions got right, we went in to the Bay and found some very finicky feeding tarpon. Out of the dozen fish we saw, we got one to eat and it threw the hook on its first jump. Final score for the evening was 3 for 6. Live shrimp are still getting the strikes.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 22, 2002 - 9:21 pm: | |
Subject: Hot Sailfish & Dolphin Action Off Miami, FL
March 21, 2002
An afternoon of offshore fishing was the plan of my two anglers today. The livewell was full of herring when we headed out to 160' off Key Biscayne. The radio was alive with chatter about dolphin, sailfish, and some kings. The blue water and north current conditions were picture perfect. The first drift was uneventful. A move to the north to just south of the sea buoy proved to be the right one. While I was putting out the first bait, a dolphin ate it and several others followed. We put two in the box and then put out a kite bait. It only took a sailfish about 2 minutes to find it and the fireworks began. The fish tailwalked in circles twice before greyhounding toward the boat. Some fast winding and clearing of other lines and the chase started. When we caught up to the fish, it made about a half dozen jumps at boat side that were all caught on camera. The fish was released and while my angler calmed himself from the excitement of catching his first sailfish, we caught 2 more dolphin. Two very happy anglers watched a beautiful sunset as we headed in.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 21, 2002 - 1:13 am: | |
Subject: Tarpon Are On The Feed Again!!
Tarpon fishing this evening was the best it has been for the past week and a half. After arriving at Government Cut, we made a drift on the south side with no results. We watched numerous tarpon rolling in the main channel and moved to that location. On our second drift out the Cut, we hooked up and the fight was on. The strong out going tide pushed us and the fish out the Cut toward a green buoy where the fish cut us off on the chain holding it in place. The next drift has us hooked up again and after a 5 minute fight, the fish jumped close to the same buoy and threw the hook. Our third drift also hooked a tarpon and this time the fish ran under the boat and came to the surface resulting in the line cutting off under the boat. One of my four anglers began to feel the effects of the rougher water of the main channel, so we moved back to calmer water on the south side. After setting up the drift, I began to mark fish on the recorder and it didn't take long for a rod to bend over severely and the reel to start screaming. The 80# tarpon took us to the main channel where two anglers shared the experience of fighting their first tarpon. The fish was successfully released. To answer the question about tarpon fishing from yesterday's report, YES they have broken the hide and seek pattern and are staying in and feeding in the Government Cut area after dark.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 - 12:36 am: | |
Subject: More Good Action Off Miami - March 19, 2002
Picking up from where we left off yesterday, blue water, strong north current, and good fishing continued. Catching herring required some time in the clear water we had. Our first baits were in the water at 11:30 am and before I could get the second flatline baited, the rigger clip popped and we caught a 15# kingfish. With all the baits out, it took about 25 minutes and we caught and released a sailfish. Sliding in to look for another king resulted in a barracuda catch and release. The kings keep biting in the 80-100 foot range while we concentrated on finding another sail or possibly a dolphin in the 120-150 foot range. I heard of a few sails looking and not biting and in general, the late afternoon fishing slowed down. Tomorrow night, I'll be tarpon fishing and hope that their feeding habits have changed. I'll keep you posted.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 18, 2002 - 11:42 pm: | |
Subject: Slow Tarpon & Hot Sailfishing in Miami
The tarpon are continuing to play hide and seek after dark. When we first arrive at Government Cut each day before dark, they are there in large numbers. If we can find a hungry one, then we get a shot. Once it gets dark, then the search begins. On Sunday (3/17) evening, we caught a red grouper and three ladyfish while waiting for the tarpon to feed. Finally at about 9:30pm, we got our reward and after an intense 10 minute fight that took us into the main channel, we released a 60# tarpon.
Today (3/18) we put our first baits in the water at about 1:00 pm. The water was blue and a current flowing strongly to the north quickly had us north of the Sea Buoy. In 135' we got our first sailfish hook up and landed and released the fish. We paid the price for using mono leaders as we got cut off about a half dozen times by kingfish. A move back to the south and once again north of the sea buoy in 155', we hooked another sail that put on a tremendous display of jumping before it too was released.
To sum it up, tarpon fishing is slow and sailfishing is HOT!!
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2002 - 11:27 pm: | |
Subject: Dolphin and Sailfish Bite
Sailfish and dolphin really turned on today. We fished for a half day and after a slow first drift, things got real exciting. The dolphin we caught were 5 and 10 pounds and were by themselves. The depth was 200 - 300 feet and live herring was the bait. On our next drift, in 330 feet, both the bow and stern rods got hit (live herring) and we were fast into a double header sailfish. Douglas Jones of Miami Shores fought his first sail on a 20# spinning outfit, while is Dad, Ray had his on a 12# spinner. The fish went in opposite directions after the initial hook ups which made it even more exciting as there were several boats very close to us. A big THANK YOU to both boats who made way for us and allowed us to catch both fish. Several boatside photos of each fish were taken before they were released.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
Captain Dave Kostyo
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 15, 2002 - 11:35 pm: | |
Subject: March 14-15 Fishing Update
The disappearing tarpon after dark act continued again last night. Before they left, we caught and released a 36" jack crevalle, and a 60# tarpon. Once it got dark, the only bite we got was from a mangrove snapper that was released.
Today, our goal was to catch a few dolphin (mahi-mahi) for dinner. Fishing aboard my clients board, the first challenge we had was his livewell pump burnt out. Bailing 5 gallon buckets of water kept the herring and pilchards alive. We also caught just a few baits. In 275' just north of the sea buoy, we found 2 boards and caught the fish we wanted for dinner. We spent the rest of the day trolling artificials and watching small tuna feed in 400'. Sailfish and kingfish (yes, they have finally started showing up) were being caught in 115-150 feet. We have a great weather forecast for the next several days, so get out and enjoy the South Florida sunshine and catch a few fish too.
Captain Dave Kostyo
Knot Nancy Fishing Charters
305 620-5896 Charter
305 732-2628 Beeper
www.rnfl.com/knotnancy
nkostyo@bellsouth.net |
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