Hurricanes Bonnie and Charley put the kibosh on offshore fishing for a few days.
There is a silver lining, however. Usually the fishing after big storms is very good. Big pressure changes and a lack of recent fishing pressure make fishing excellent. With big tides and winds, fish move to bigger structures for cover and tend to bunch up.
Fish big breaks and wrecks. Water clarity after storms will be cloudy, allowing you to use heavier leaders and larger hooks. Start your bottom trips in 90 feet and work your way offshore. Live bait will be scattered and hard to find so use fish trips to catch pinfish for live bait. Frozen sardines will do for dead bait.
The big blows make bluewater fishing tough. Finding weed lines that have not been broken up by high winds is a challenge. Even so, the Old Salts bluewater event scheduled in two weeks will attract 30-plus boats. This is a good time to venture offshore even if you do not want to fish the tournament. The fact that many boats are offshore adds to your security. You can keep in contact with the tournament fleet. The Steps has been hot and most boats will make that area a priority when trying to land, photo and release a tournament-winning blue marlin. Trolling is the primary fishing technique and many captains travel offshore with their baitwells full of big blue runners. Blue runners are a hardy live bait that can be used to catch blue marlin and yellowfin tuna. In last year's event, a 180-pound yellowfin took first place and a 150-pounder second.
Fishing offshore 50-plus miles requires planning and coordination. Carry enough fuel and make sure your vessel is in excellent condition. Not only do you need a good craft, you need to make sure the people onboard have the experience to handle bluewater fishing. Trip plans and survival equipment are a must on any overnight trip.
Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call 727 709-9396 or e-mail him at huffyl@tampabay.rr.com
