The shrimp runs in the bay have sparked some tarpon action along the beaches and in the ocean inlets. Also feeding on the shrimp are jacks, blue runners, a few mackerel, snappers and groupers. Best approach at these fish is to slow drift large live shrimp and bounce large live shrimp and shrimp soft plastics hooked to a 3/8 jigs off the bottom.

In depths of 20 to 40 feet of water, Spanish mackerel have returned to the area. Not as thick as they were in October and November but in better numbers than recent weeks. Trolling Rapalas in a blue or green back, silver spoons and jigs in these depths is the best way to locate the mackerel. Cast red and white jigs, live shrimp and pilchards once the fish are located. Outside the outer reef line, kingfish and a few sailfish are being caught. Live baits and vertical jigs are working the best on the kings and large live threadfin herring are working on the sailfish.

Lester, of Lester’s Live Bait out of Haulover, reported that baitfish has been tough to find. Dolphin plus some small wahoo are being found in 700 feet of water. Bottom fishermen are catching a mixed bag of snapper, grouper for catch and release plus almaco jacks and amberjack. Swordfishermen are still having action both day and night with some of the best action taking place during the daytime in over 2,000 feet of water just south of Haulover Inlet. Fish your baits on the bottom with light sticks. Nighttime bottom fishing has been fair.