Caught a few BIG yellowtail

Jack Hexter · June 9

Tuesday took a charter on the Fishmonster out of Key West. Told Capt Mike we wanted to dolphin fish, and on the way in wanted to see his secrets for catching yellowtail

Started in about 800' and caught a dozen dolphin to 20#. Capt called down, "Do you guys still want to yellowtail?" We answered Yes, and we ran in to 65', dropped the hook and the chum started flowing. Mate Ken showed up with some 15# rods, loaded with mono, and 20# fluoro leader on a vary light #2 hook, baited with a 1" X 1" piece of ballyhoo fillet. Drifted back in the chum with NO resistance till you feel a runoff, close the bail and crank. Ended up with 9 tails between 3-5#. Capt Mike knows where the big ones are. We lost several due to hook bending, but with a heavier hook, bait wold sink too fast and not get bit.