May rolled right into June, and it’s been nonstop here at Main Attraction. We’ve been so busy that we’re just now catching our breath to write this report! Our boats have been running steady with lots of repeat clients, and we’ve been blessed with mostly calm weather. The mahi fishing started off a little hit or miss a few weeks ago, but it’s been getting better and better by the day! You know how fishing goes, we’re always adapting our game plan and making the best of every trip.
While we waited for the mahi bite to fire up, we made sure our clients headed home with plenty of meat by focusing on the reef and wrecks. The yellowtail snapper, grouper, and mutton snapper have been very consistent and red hot. The permit fishing has been on fire too, and that’s a fun fight for anglers of all ages.
A Senior Trip to Remember
We recently had some charters that really stood out. With the full moon and calm weather lining up, the Bennefield family booked a full-day, 10-hour swordfish trip aboard the Main One for their senior trip. No pressure, right? Captain Marty and first mate James were rigged up and ready to target the broadbill swordfish. They had several bites throughout the day, and on the very last drift, they foul-hooked a swordfish, which meant quite a fight was on their hands. Eventually they landed the fish, got their photos, and even managed to put some mahi in the boat to go with it. Mission accomplished!
A First for All of Us
The very next day, Captain Marty had a three-quarter day trip with clients who wanted to head offshore. They found some mahi, then decided to deep drop with the chicken rigs. Now, this depth is deep, but not swordfish deep. To everyone’s surprise, they came tight on a baby swordfish! We fish a lot around here, and this was a first for all of us, and a very cool experience for the Valencia group.
By the end of the day they had caught mahi, released a small swordfish, and added a barrelfish, tilefish, queen snapper, and snowy grouper to the box. A heck of a catch, and an even better story to go with it.
The Reef Pays Off
While Captain Marty enjoyed a much-needed day off, Captain Alex and first mate Harris fished with repeat client Lance Goodling. Lance and his buddies opted to stay on the reef and wrecks for their three-quarter day, and it truly paid off. They boxed yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, and a nice black grouper, all delicious table fare.
Three Days with the Indiana Crew
The following week, we geared up for three straight days with Jerry Harder and his Indiana friends. Jerry and his group visit us every year for their annual guys’ trip and fish several days each time.
With another calm day on their hands and Captain Marty on a swordfishing streak, they figured they’d try their luck. Before even reaching the sword grounds, they got their limit of mahi in the boat, then settled in for some sword drifts.
They connected with a keeper swordfish and picked up a few queen snappers as well. That’s a lot of delicious fish heading back to Indiana to feed the guys and their families.
We’ll Ship Your Catch Home
As an added service, we offer vacuum sealing and fish shipment anywhere in the United States. It’s a great way to preserve your fillets, avoid waste, and enjoy your Florida Keys catch long after your trip.
Ready for Your Own Offshore Adventure?
If you’re headed to Marathon and want to get in on the action, give us a call at (305) 289-0071 or visit our contact page. We’d love to fish with you and your family!
