Seasonal Fishing
Fishing After a Hurricane in Miami
By Nomad Fishing Charters | October 8, 2024 · 6 min read
Why Storms Can Mean Great Fishing
Hurricanes are a fact of life for those of us living in Miami, Florida and surrounding areas. Storm impacts are usually associated with widespread damage to communities and a great amount of trash and debris to be picked up. Fortunately, not all of a storm's effects are negative. Savvy fishermen see storms as an opportunity to enjoy some of the best fishing of the season.
Although results can be mixed, fishing for several types of game fish can be excellent during the post storm period. Offshore, a lot of the storm debris floating north in the Gulf Stream will carry passengers in the form of mahi mahi and wahoo. "Floaters," as they are commonly referred to, come in the form of pallets, downed trees, and other random objects that provide shelter for baitfish and feeding opportunities for predators searching for their next meal.
As a general rule, mahi mahi - or dolphin fish as many folks call them - are usually found near the surface under and around the floating objects. Wahoo, or ono as they are called in Hawaii, prefer to hang out a little deeper.
Targeting Mahi and Wahoo Around Floaters
Both of these popular fish species can be targeted in several ways, but without a doubt the most common tactics are trolling and run and gun fishing. Each method has pros and cons, and it's up to the captain to decide which will work better in a specific situation.
Trolling is a great and relaxing way to cover a lot of water, especially when debris and weedlines are scarce. As with any style of fishing it does have its drawbacks, primarily the lack of speed.
Unlike trolling, run and gun fishing involves running at a comfortable cruising speed until fish or signs of fish are located. Once a promising area is found, baits are deployed until the fish are found. Bait can come in the form of live bait (most effective), jigs, lures, and cut bait.
Another option with floaters is to drop a jig down 100' to 200' down, as wahoo are suckers for them. If you prefer to troll, you can troll around the debris using planers in order to target wahoo that are feeding deeper in the water column. It is important to use a trace of fishing wire in order to keep the toothy wahoo from cutting through your leaders.
Reefs Turn On for Snapper and Grouper
Storm conditions can also stir things up in and around both the deeper reefs as well as the shallower patch reefs. The strong winds and rains from hurricanes and tropical storms stir up the bottom, causing the water to become cloudy and triggering a major feeding opportunity for bottom fish such as snapper and grouper.
Unstable barometer readings can cause changes to these fish and their feeding patterns. Often, once the barometer stabilizes and starts to rise, the fish will go on a major feed and move around a lot more than usual. It is this movement and increased feeding that provide a great opportunity for anglers.
Fish can be targeted by anchoring and chumming with both frozen chum as well as live bait when available. The cloudy water gives the fisherman an edge and puts more fish in the box. This kind of structure work is exactly what our wreck and bottom fishing charters are built for.
Prepare Ahead and Navigate With Caution
As you can see, fishing can be excellent after a storm. The key is to prepare ahead of time and get out on the water as soon as the storm passes and it is safe to navigate the waterways.
Keep in mind that storms often damage navigation markers and leave debris that can be hazardous to navigation, so it is important to slow down and navigate with caution. If you follow these simple steps, you have a good chance at some excellent fishing opportunities. Our crew runs these post-storm patterns across Miami waters every season, and the full range of trips is laid out on our charters and rates.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Orlando Muniz
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fish right after a hurricane?
Only once the storm has fully passed and the waterways are safe to navigate. Storms damage navigation markers and leave hazardous debris, so slow down and stay alert. When conditions clear, the post-storm bite can be some of the best of the season.
What fish bite best after a storm in Miami?
Offshore, mahi mahi and wahoo hold around floating storm debris in the Gulf Stream. On the reefs, churned-up water triggers heavy feeding from snapper and grouper, especially as the barometer stabilizes and rises.
Why are floaters so productive after a hurricane?
Pallets, downed trees, and other debris drift north in the Gulf Stream and create shelter for baitfish. That draws predators - mahi near the surface and wahoo a little deeper. A jig dropped 100 to 200 feet down near a floater often gets crushed.
What tactics work for post-storm fishing?
Trolling covers water when debris is scarce, while run and gun fishing lets you chase active fish and signs. On the reefs, anchoring and chumming with frozen chum or live bait puts more snapper and grouper in the box.
