March 18, 2014 After Dark Report

Launching my skiff at Key Biscayne Marina at 8:00pm into the mirror calm waters of Biscayne Bay is always a thrill knowing what awaits. Tonight local angler and friend John was aboard for a night time tarpon trip. Working the incoming tide proved slower than expected although shrimp were skipping on the surface everywhere and a few tarpon pops were heard. At our second spot of the night one of the rods doubles over and quickly snaps back. Missed a fish. That stinks! The action didn't start in earnest until the outgoing tide and even still it was slower than expected. Finally at our last stop there is a pop and a swirl behind the boat, I cast to it and put the rod in the holder. Seconds later we're on! The rod doubles over, the reel screams and 80lbs of raging tarpon bursts out of the water numerous times with drag burning runs in between. After 45 minutes, getting the leader in the rod (an official release) and having him two feet from the boat several times he makes a run, bursts out of the water and spits the hook back at me. No hero shot but a great time enjoying our most powerful and acrobatic fish in Biscayne Bay. Capt. Mo Estevez www.MiamiBoneFishing.com