For summertime fishing, plenty of water to drink, re-applications of sunscreen, long sleeves and caps are the norm. Deputy also suggested nighttime adventures when the days get too hot. Find the snappers with chum, offer a variety of bait to tempt the fishes’ palates and an enthusiastic response should come your way.

DOLPHIN AT MARATHON
Moving down the Keys a bit, you’ll find dolphin are plentiful and worthy and enjoyable adversaries. Driving over some of the Keys’ 48 bridges to get to Marathon also offers wonderful views as well as opportunities to wet a line from a bridge or shore, if you are so inclined.

Sombrero Reef -- a federally protected section of North America’s only living coral barrier reef -- lies just a few miles offshore of Marathon in the Middle Keys. Beyond it are the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits, which teem with dolphin in the summer.

Dolphin like warm water -- they generally prefer 78 to 85 degrees -- which is easy to find in the Keys from about May on through the summer.

Dolphin, also known as mahi-mahi, are commonly found near floating objects or Sargassum weedlines and patches. They feed on sea life such as flying fish, squid and sea horses, all of which seek shelter amid floating structures.

Dolphin are relatively easy to find and catch. Bringing some of these home for dinner is more about being at the right place at the right time than being a skillful angler or having lively baits. Dolphin are not shy around boats, and wolf down most real and artificial baits. They offer an unbeatable light-tackle challenge, and best of all, they’re delicious. The hardest task is finding them.

Fishing captains usually suggest that anglers start early. Not only do you beat the heat that way, but you’re first in line for finding the debris and birds that usually signal dolphin opportunities.

For some, it’s the thrill of the chase.

“You never know where you’re going to find them or even what species may be under the debris,” said Capt. Craig Eldredge.

“You can never totally plan your day. It’s about the hunt.”

The hunt starts in about 120 feet of water. Have plenty of bait on hand. Live and fresh dead bait such as ballyhoo, squid, mullet and pilchards are all good.

The dead bait is tossed to schooling fish. When one of their schoolmates is hooked, they queue up like rubberneckers at a traffic accident.

Dolphin are always on the move and won’t wait for you to cut more bait. Keeping bait in buckets near at hand for holding their interest is the key.

Generally, dolphin fishing calls for you to rig several rods, with a few set in rod holders for trolling. Rig light spinning outfits with jigs, or ballyhoo may be trolled naked or with a skirt.

Have a couple of other rods ready with a 2/0 to 4/0 long-shank hook on hand for casting out the cut or live bait to fish your spot around the boat.

Make sure there’s no frayed line, or your bite and fight may end prematurely.

Sometimes, the fish are within 10 miles of shore. Other times, going out 20 to 30 miles is necessary. It depends on the wind and currents. On the east coast, wind from the east will bring weeds and debris in closer. If the wind is from the west, chances are that weedlines and floating objects will lie further out.