When in water of 200 feet or more, anglers look for signs indicating the presence of fish. Those are weedlines, floating boards or feeding birds, especially frigate birds. Birds diving toward the surface around weeds are a very good sign. When dolphin are feeding on small fish, they leave behind a smattering of fish “crumbs” that become easy meals for their feathered hangers-on.

Trolling around debris or along weedlines is best done at about 6 to 8 knots. Trolling speed is based on how the baits appear in the water. In rocky seas, travel down sea so the baits stay in the water better. Speeding up and slowing down serves to vary the depth of the baits -- and helps to discover if any hungry dolphin lie beneath the surface. If not, move on.

If you hook a fish, you’ll probably see it being chased by others. Leave the hooked fish in the water at boatside. If you bring the dolphin into your boat, the rest of the school might leave. Keeping the fish in the water greatly increases the chances of that school staying around your boat.

When sea conditions are not conducive to running, try chumming while drifting near a weedline. This may attract dolphins as well as many other types of fish.

Dolphin are prolific breeders and can grow rapidly to a weight of about 80 pounds, yet they live only about five years. Eating what you catch -- while minding state and federal size restrictions and limits -- is generally acceptable for this species. Also, most Keys restaurants will cook your catch for you. So after a long day of fishing for your supper, you can leave the cooking to someone else.

Dolphin tournaments abound throughout the Florida Keys in the summer months. Monetary prizes, sporting art and trophies often reward the winners for the biggest or most fish caught.

Capt. Eldredge pointed out that proceeds from these contests support many worthwhile causes, so if testing your prowess against others sounds like fun, finding out about tournaments is easy at area tackle shops.

Take your pick of fish species, from swordfish offshore to snapper on the reefs to dolphin in the blue water. It’s all happening this summer in the Florida Keys!