dolphin fishing in the FL keys

[helm]

Could anyone tell me the best time of year to fish the FL keys for dolphin fish and tell me how far out I would have to go to find them?
Is there an particular area in the keys best for dolphin?
I typically fish off the beach of Venice FL and the ICW using a 7 foot Shimano Teramar rod with medium power and a fast action using 15 pound power pro line with a 30 pound mono leader.
Would this be suitable to fish for dolphin?
Thanks for any input.
Helm

[Bluewaterhooker]

Have been making dolphin trips to the keys for many years. Supposedly April / May is the best time. However, the wind seems to be a problem that early in the season, i.e., depends on the size of your boat. I've got a 20' Trophy WA...not big enough in rough seas. Later in the summer the winds are much more accomodating (June/July/August). How far out, fluctuates. You might hit them 6 miles out, or 25 miles out. It all depends on the weed lines, wind direction, water clarity, and the fish gods. How big a rod and reel ? Depends on how lucky you are. If you hook a big bull, you'll wish you had a beefy setup.:gr_cheers:

[captdallas2]

May, June and July, August is normally small fish though this year that caught good size fish through October. May can be windy but not like March and April.