Summertime, the livin's easy
Janis sure was right
Story/Photos by Matt Badolato
It sure is getting hot outside. Not that you wanted to hear me say it and remind you of this month’s electric bills. Hot weather means something to everyone, and to me it means diving and snorkeling.
What better way to beat the heat than to jump in the water? The visibility has already been clearing up beautifully from Sebastian all the way to the Keys. Why sit in a hot boat all day getting torched by the almighty sun? There’s plenty to see down there…
One way to get wet and still fish is to head out trolling in the early morning, and should you come across any thick weedlines, strap on the snorkeling stuff and check them out! Underneath these floating rainforests are countless species from crabs and shrimp to fish and turtles. Most everything living beneath the mats of Sargassum has evolved the perfect camouflage to blend in with the yellow and orange algae. Seahorses in the weeds have appendages shaped and colored just like the yellowish blades of the algae. Triggerfish and filefish lie motionless in the tangles. Tripletails lurk in the shade waiting for an easy meal. You never know, a school of mahi may show up any time and put on a show!
If the bluewater snorkeling reminds you of a certain classic shark movie, don’t worry. Our east coast has more in store. Summer time means clean water along the beaches, and from Sebastian inlet to the south there are countless reefs to explore from the beach or by boat. Ranging from depths of eight to thirty feet, the reefs are home to hundreds of fish species as well as lobster, sharks and sea turtles. It’s not uncommon to see a school of snook hanging out under a tall ledge or some smoker kingfish attacking a school of greenies right above your head. Damsels, angelfish, parrotfish and wrasses are always cruising around the coral encrusted bottom, so there is always something to see when it’s clear.
The trolling offshore this time of year can be pretty tough, usually due to the hot surface water. Early morning will be your best bet for dolphin and wahoo, maybe try dragging a couple deep baits where the water might be a little cooler. Those lucky enough to get across the Gulf Stream for some tuna will hit pay dirt this month as the fish are on their way north from their Bahamian vacation.
We got this wahoo last week out of Sebastian in 200’ on a slight temp change. He hit a naked ballyhoo on a 100lb mono leader. Thankfully he was hooked right in his lip, otherwise those teeth would have made quick work of the leader. That day we also landed three dolphin, 30lbs, 20lbs, and 15lbs. Pretty nice day and some good eating to boot.
Make sure ya lather up the sun grease and throw on that sombrero before you hit the water this summer. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
‘Til next time,
Matt B
Contact Badolato at triplehelix@mail.com
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