July 2011 Fishing Report By Captain Hector Mesa It is summer time and it’s a hot one. The summer patterns are predictable; calm and humid mornings, with rainy and stormy afternoons. Good thing about it, after all that nasty condition passes on; we can then take advantage of the nice tranquil hot evenings for some night fishing. The afternoon rain storms also tend to create calmer seas, which in turn presents more than perfect conditions. The calm conditions also offer a great opportunity for vertical jigging over the deeper wrecks to target amberjack, almaco jack, black fin tuna, or grouper. Vertical jigging can seem like a lot of work and it can be somewhat tiring, but it is really rewarding and offers a lot of excitement. The summer is also a great time to get into some sword fishing for both day and night. Dolphin (mahi-mahi or dorado) have arrived in great numbers and are here to stay for a while. A big variety of sizes are being caught; several small schoolies and with some bigger ones in the mix. Dolphins like to feed on bait that hide or find refuge under floating weeds or debris. Trolling along the weed line with artificial lures or rigged ballyhoo is one method and running and gunning is another. The term “running and gunning” is used when you are running out in search of floating debris or diving birds which are hitting the baits being driven up from the dolphin below. If you spot a frigit bird that’s flying high and in circles; it may be a good idea to head on over there because it’s on the prowl and is probably following a dolphin. It might be waiting for that fish to bust the baits from below. That frigit is going to take a sudden dive and you want to be close by to cast a live bait or jig in that direction. So have a pitch bait ready on a spinning rod and get ready to deploy it. Dolphin fishing is a lot of fun and it can get crazy when you’re in a big school. You might want to wear an old shirt or an already stained shirt, because these guys are bloody and it’s a given that you are going to get some blood on you as well.  Follow us on facebook and watch us on “Ancla TV” airing on channel WGEN-TV for an exciting fishing show. Take a kid fishing, let’s pass it on. Mention this ad and get 10% discount on a full day charter. Capt. Hector Mesa 305-720-7225 fishing@simplyhookedcharters.com http://www.simplyhookedcharters.com