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Epic May Bites: Swordfish, Mahi, Tuna & More Heating Up Miami’s Offshore Waters
Miami Beach - Cheboygan, MI
Offshore fishing off the coast of Miami has been red hot this month, with a variety of pelagic species showing up in good numbers and ideal weather patterns keeping the seas calm for extended trips.
Swordfish are the highlight right now, especially during daytime drops. Anglers targeting depths of 1,500–1,800 feet have been rewarded with swordfish averaging 100–200 lbs, with a few giants tipping the scale at 400+ lbs. The bite has been consistent, especially on overcast days with a moderate north current.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin) are running strong along the weed lines and floating debris around 10–15 miles offshore. Schoolies are abundant, and a few bulls over 30 lbs have been caught using rigged ballyhoo and live pilchards. Look for birds and temperature breaks to locate the action.
Blackfin Tuna are still active near the edge of the reef and around the 200–400 ft contour line. Early morning and late afternoon have been best, especially when trolling small feathers or vertical jigging.
Wahoo action has picked up around the full moon. High-speed trolling with dark-colored lures and planers near drop-offs has produced solid catches, with fish in the 20–50 lb range being reported.
Kingfish are also making a strong showing along the reef edge, with live bait slow-trolled on stinger rigs doing the trick. Some smoker kings over 40 lbs have been landed.
Bottom fishing has produced some nice vermillion snapper, yelloweye snapper, and black grouper, especially on the deeper wrecks and ledges. Jigging and cut bait are working well.
Overall, it’s a fantastic time to get offshore in Miami—whether you're hunting for swordfish in the deep, trolling for pelagics, or dropping for reef fish, the bite is on. Tight lines!