Fishing: How To Fish: Advanced: Saltwater
Tuna: Space Coast Yellowfin
The Gulf Stream flows thousands of miles from the Caribbean to the icy north Atlantic. Off the coast of Florida, it travels north at speeds up to 5 knots, sustaining temperatures 8 to 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding waters. The great current moves 7 billion gallons of water each second - 50 times more than the combined total of all the world's rivers.
Large vessels use this offshore river as a major shipping lane to conserve fuel and gain time as they roll northward. Migrating pelagic fish use the Gulf Stream in the same way. Fishermen can catch the billfish, wahoo, dolphin and tuna that flow by with the current at various times of year.
Rather than run to the offshore weather buoy, Dwyer focuses on birds found at the other side of the stream. In distance, this could be 60 to 100-plus miles offshore. Once he reaches the far side of the Gulf Stream, he spots flocks of birds with the help of a $14,000 color radar and sets his course on their heading.
Frigates are the fisherman's hunting dogs. Their large wingspans and slow circular flying patterns are easy to follow and act as pelagic fish beacons. When found diving with terns, frigates usually indicate tuna striking flying fish. These aggressive birds don't wait for scraps. On a trip with Capt. Mike Kane of Port Canaveral, I watched frigates swoop down and snag flying fish as soon as the flyers left the water.
Another key to locating yellowfin: Watch birds' flight patterns. Large flocks of 50 or more birds offshore usually lead to skipjack. Since the highly visible skipjack normally congregate and feed near the surface, it's easy for birds to stay with them. But if a large group of birds is within 30 miles of the port, bank on little tunny.
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