What's Biting?

Capt Skip Dana has been catching some nice snowy groupers and tile fish out front of Hillsboro Inlet. Most of the tile fish have been in the 360 to 390 foot range. There have also been lots of skipjack tunas offshore between 200 and 400 feet. They are typically under the birds and can be caught using feathers, strip baits or small cedar plugs.

The kingfish bite has also been good in the shallow water inside the third reef between 35 and 60 feet. The kings are averaging between 8 and 15 pounds. Spanish Mackerel are mixed in with the Kings as well.

The recent cold front that just pushed through South Florida should get the Sailfish moving again just in time for the 3 inlet Sailfish Challenge on Feb 26th. The Sailfish action was fairly good off Miami last week. Captain Dean Panos went 16 for 17 on a charter with other good days mixed in as well.

Daytime swordfishing has been slow offshore for the past couple of weeks. Boats have been catching a fish here or there, but for the most part it has been very inconsistent.

Today is the last day to pre-register for the Sailfish Challenge and save $200! It's like a Valentines Day stimulus package. Pre-register for the Sailfish Challenge and SAVE $200 on the purchase of your Valentines Day Gift.

Entering its 8th year, The Sailfish Challenge continues to grow in size and popularity. Last year, the tournament hosted 86 teams and paid out a one-day $250,000 cash purse with Owl's Nest cashing the biggest check - $122,625!

The Sailfish Challenge offers the lowest entry fee in competitive Sailfishing at $675 per boat, all anglers included, if you register by Feb 15. Despite the economical entry fee, the parties and provisions are as good as you will find anywhere in competitive fishing. The kickoff party is hosted at the Tajma Hall of Sportfishing, the IGFA Museum in Ft. Lauderdale. Open bars compliments of Bacardi, free acccess to the IGFA exhibits, great auction items, a *casino fundraiser, and a rod wrapping clinic courtesy of Chaos Rods are just a few of the activities anglers in the Sailfish Challenge can enjoy during the kickoff party at IGFA.

Not to be overlooked is the awards ceremony hosted at Blue Moon Fish Company in Ft. Lauderdale. Owner Bryce Statham and his staff roll out the red carpet for Sailfish Challenge anglers with an amazing spread of food and drink. For more info on the Sailfish Challenge visit www.sailfishchallenge.com