On Sale - March 17, 2026
Florida Sportsman April 2026 Issue
Slammer Tactics
They aren't common these days, but heavyweight mahi may crash your baits at any time. Be prepared!
A caught dolphin heads for the fish box. (Cobia Boats photo)
Leaving behind a winter cold by Florida standards, we are all looking forward to a blizzard of blue and gold—the arrival of peak dolphin season. These prolific gamefish are a staple of offshore fishing during our summers. Most dolphin, or mahi mahi, caught weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. Nicknames like “pickers,” “schoolies,” “heavy lifters,” and “gaffers” are slang terms used by veteran offshore anglers. However, there is one more term used that signals a real heavyweight and that term is “slammer.” Most say this term was earned by the way a big dolphin hits the deck and then slams its way around the boat. Broken rods and welted up legs and arms are all caused by these big fish once they are gaffed and brought aboard. I like to have the fish hold or cooler lid open with someone on lid duty.
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More Inside This Issue:
Gateways to the Outdoors
There's no arguing that school-age kids today have a plethora of interests to choose from—and arguably too much technology at their fingertips. That has been the thrust behind the creation of some terrific private and public programs and camps.
Sarasota Bar Scene
It's a common metric for waterside cities: How's the bar scene? Sarasota boasts one of the state's most vibrant, but while there's plenty of places to find a good mojito, margarita or caipirinha, we're talking top-shelf sport fish species like redfish, speckled trout, and snook.
Conservation: Tax Season Advice
Few topics of conversations among the fishing community will stir up a hornet's nest faster these days than the shark situation. If you're a saltwater angler, you've been affected by their growing population.
Before You Tow, What You Need to Know
Another big consideration needs to be your boat trailer. Face it, the average boat spends 99 percent of its life on a trailer and if your trailer fails, while you're headed to your destination, your trip or vacation could be over before it starts.
