Marathon daytime on the headboat

Billfish3

Hi all,

Have not been to the Marathon in five years. Last time we were able to get into excellent nite fishing on the SeaKing but it was summer time and it sounds like he will be doing daytrips this time of the year. We are heading down Feb 25th to March 3rd. We may rent a boat for a couple of days as well if conditions are right and one is available. What set up would you all suggest for the headboat? I am thinking Baitrunner reel on a lighter spinning rod rated about 15lbs with 20lb braid with a 3 foot leader of 20 fluoro but go down to 15 or even 10 if necessary. Does this sound about right?

I would like to be able to drop to the bottom with a heavier set up if possible for grouper or whatever might bite. I was thinking a conventional with 50lb braid, three foot of 80lb fluro and stick a pinfish or cutbait on there. I also plan on bringing some butterfly and other jigs with assist hooks.

Can I expect to find live shrimp at the local shops?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Bill

AOKRVs

Big Time near vaca cut has live shrimp
Grouper closed til May 1st

Billfish3

Was Capt Hook renamed Big-time? Thanks for the tip on grouper. Slipped my mind. Like I said it has been a while.

Billfish3

I see Big-time on Google street view. Been there a while ago. Thanks for that tip.

piner_wahoo

hit the grunt lady

Billfish3

We used to fish the ML years ago, but then we discovered Captain Bill.

So any thoughts on the ideal, or more-or-less ideal set up for daytime yellowtailing?

Thx

msk99

@Billfish3 said:
Was Capt Hook renamed Big-time? Thanks for the tip on grouper. Slipped my mind. Like I said it has been a while.

No...they are just close together.

Andyman33

for the new guys this post from capt dallas is ideal -- plus he's a good guy so figured I'd post a link to his site too!
captdallas2.blogspot.com/2015/03/basic-stuff.html

Billfish3

Thanks for posting that. A lot of info there.

Billfish3

We did not do the headboard but we did rent our own and did very well, especially the first day out with conditions that were just right. Fished 100 to 120ft with live shrimp and sabiki'd pinfish. Good snapper fishing and many Spanish Mack bite offs plus amberjack. Also got rocked a couple of times. Grouper perhaps. Looking forward to getting back down in June. Sad to see the headboard out of commission.

AOKRVs

looks like a successful trip - nice fish