DOLPHIN BRAWL
Saturday April 21st, lines in at 7am, lines out 3pm. Weigh-in @ Sands Harbor Resort and Marina, North dock!!
Great tournament prizes from Chaos Rods, Accurate Reels, ACR Artex, American Auto/Marine Wiring, KULA Coolers, Reliable Fishing Products, Connley Rods, Phenix Rods, and Starbrite!!
Come check out, and see who brings in the Heaviest Dolphin at weigh in!!
FISHING RODEO
SAILFISH-APRIL SPECIES
SAILFISH: Istiophorus platypterus
Appearance:
- Dark blue back, brownish-blue sides, fading to a silvery-white belly
- First dorsal fin is greatly enlarged and sail-like, has black spots, squared off in front and is highest in the middle
- Pelvic fins are extremely long and narrow
- Upper jaw elongated into a spear shape
- Scales imbedded with blunt ends
- Lateral line curves over the pectoral fin
Similar Species: White marlin, K. albida; and juvenile blue marlin, M. nigricans (both lack the large sail-like dorsal fin of sailfish)
Size: Up to 11 feet (220 pounds)
Habitat:
Offshore waters
Behavior:
Sailfish are a rapidly growing species; they reach 4-5 feet in one year. They feed aggressively on small fish and squid. Off southeast Florida, sailfish move inshore to shallow water and spawn near the surface in summer. Females swim slowly with their dorsal fins above water, accompanied by one or more males when spawning.
Additional Information
State Record:
126 lb, caught near Big Pine Key
Fishing Tips and Facts: Blue runners, pinfish, mullet, scads, ballyhoo and squid attract cruising sailfish. Sailfish are known for their fast runs, acrobatic jumps and head-shaking attempts to throw a hook. Sailfish tire easily and should be revived after a long fight to ensure their survival. Most anglers release these fish.
The sailfish is Florida’s state saltwater fish. Its name originates from the greatly enlarged first dorsal fin that runs almost the length of its back and is covered with spots.
Sailfish is OAPB’s April species for the annual tournament. Anglers will receive 200 points for each sailfish submitted. April’s wristband must be in each sailfish submittal (Neon Green)
BLUE WILD OCEAN ADVENTURE EXPO
Join OAPB for the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL April 14-15th.
Sat April 14th 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sun, April 15th 11:00an to 7:00pm
“Where ocean lovers come together for freediving, scuba diving, spearfishing, fishing, lobstering, paddleboard, surf, marine art, U/W photo/video, adventure travel, beach apparel and accessories, boats, kayaks, water toys, and more!”
We will be at booth #329, stop by and meet the crew!
Carolina Gentleman-Skipper Gentry
BONITA-MARCH-SPECIES OF THE MONTH
Bonita-March Species of the Month
Bonita is the OAPB's March Species of the Month. Members will receive double points on the Leaderboard for each Bonita submitted on the Fish Submittal toward the Captain and Angler of the Year award. The Captain and Angler will be traveling to Barbados.
Bonita, also called Atlantic Little Tunny, False Albacore and Little Tuna is a pelagic, schooling and migratory species.
It is most easily distinguished from similar species by its markings. It has a scattering of dark spots resembling fingerprints between the pectoral and ventral fins that are not present on any related Atlantic species. It also has wavy, “worm like” markings on the back. These markings are above the lateral line within a well marked border, and never extend farther forward than about the middle of the first dorsal fin. Fishing methods include trolling or casting from boats using small whole baits, strip baits, or small lures such as spoons, plugs, jigs, and feathers.
https://www.igfa.org/species/264-tunny-little.aspx?CommonName=264-tunny-little.aspx
