Offshore Insights: Fall Migrations

Fall fishing migrations are in full swing as water temperatures cool and gamefish species are reported in high numbers throughout Florida and the Caribbean. Offshore and inshore, the bite has been off the charts! Read our Fall Offshore Fishing report to make the most of your next trip!

Caribbean- Offshore Fishing Report

The blue marlin fishery off of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been epic, with several boats releasing an average of 3 or more marlin a day. These blue marlin will continue to move in, outnumbering white marlin until January. The FADs, especially the FADS off of Macao, DR,  will hold large numbers of fish and seem to produce consistently this time of year. Marina Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is a dream destination for this fishery. 

Throughout the Caribbean, full moons in October and November prove to be highly productive for Wahoo. Wahoo is the perfect target for anglers who want a trophy game fish that is great for the grill.

Florida- Offshore Fishing Report

For State-Side anglers, the South Florida sailfish season is heating up with the first colds fronts of the year. The bite should continue to improve as more cold fronts pass down the state. This time of year, predatory species follow the bait schools southwards towards the Florida Keys.

Large schools of ballyhoo are moving onto nearshore reefs in South Florida. This gives anglers a shot at pelagic fish in less than 100 feet of water! With the first cold front passing through South Florida this week, anglers have begun to see sailfish patrolling near-shore reefs in as little as 45 feet of water. By mid-December, anglers fishing from boats with tuna towers will have the opportunity to see sailfish tailing on the edge of the reef. If you haven’t had the opportunity to pitch a live ballyhoo to a tailing sailfish before, it needs to be on your bucket list. If you need a place to stay in the middle Keys, Hawks Cay Resort and Marina is the perfect spot to do it all. The resort’s location offers easy access to offshore and backcountry fishing just minutes from the dock.

As an unexpected bonus, lucky anglers are catching gaffer Mahi Mahi on the reefs of Miami! These Mahi are cruising through bottom fishermen’s chum slicks, ready to annihilate a live bait. It is always exciting to catch a Mahi in less than 100 feet of water! Inshore, Pilchard schools have been plentiful off beaches in the Miami area. Easy to find, these pilchards make live bait fishing both easy and productive. It’s a good time of year to load your livewell will a selection of different offerings before heading offshore.

Florida- Inshore Report

For our inshore fisherman, the bite has been great around the state. The Florida Mullet Run is coming to an end as huge schools of mullet complete their migration down the east coast of Florida. Anglers have succeeded at finding snook up to 45″ and tarpon over 150lbs this season. Fishermen target these predators with live bait (mullet) or artificial baits like “No Live Bait Needed” swim baits. As we get further into Fall, these bait schools will be found further south, towards the Florida Keys. Mullet Run fishing is all about timing. If you can’t find the bait schools where you are, head south.

In the Everglades, redfish are moving on to the flats in search of warmer water. These redfish are eager to strike a well-placed fly or artificial lure. We love throwing walk-the-dog-style top waters and unweighted swim baits this time of year. The backcountry fishing out of Flamingo, Everglades National Park, and the 10,000 Islands Area should heat up as water temperatures drop into the mid 70s, but the fishing will slow down once water temperatures dip below 70 degrees. Don’t forget, the perfect temperature for tarpon fishing is always 74 degrees!

It’s a great time to catch the fish of a lifetime, where ever your fishing goals may take you! Be sure to wear Bluefin gear the next time you hit the water and send us pictures of your catch to be featured on Bluefin’s Instagram!  To gear up for your next fish slaying session, check out our new collection of performance shirts in partnership with the IGFA.

Click Here for the New IGFA Collection 

Tight Lines & Good Times

-Bluefin USA