OffshoreA private captain running out of Bud ‘n Mary’s Marina in Islamorada called in with the first blue report of the season. The fish was caught about 2 miles offshore of the Islamorada Hump. It was estimated at 250 pounds and ate a live bonito slow trolled behind the boat.

Reef

The sailfish catches seem to wax and wane with the weather, with a few good days and a few slow days this past week. There will still be good sailfish activity for probably a month until captains turn their glare toward the dolphin.The king mackerel action is good, according to Capt. Paul Johnson on the Reef Runner out of Whale Harbor Marina. He’s been getting his limit of kings on live ballyhoo trolled deep in the 130- to 160-foot depths. Hitting the bottom with the lead and winding up about five or six turns is the standard method for the kingfish.

Gulf, bay

Look for tripletail on the crab buoys on your way to the mackerel grounds. The tripletail (one of the tastiest fish going) are close to the surface just down tide of the Styrofoam buoys.Slow down and toss a live shrimp close to the fish and see him roll out and eat the bait. When hooked, the tripletail will jump like skipping a rock. Just keep him away from the trap line and make sure they are over 15 inches at two per person per outing.

Flats, backcountry

Close to home, Capt. Dave Atkinson on his skiff out of Whale Harbor tells of a half-day trip where his clientele released four bonefish. His secret: Put the boat in an ambush area and cast four shrimp-baited hooks out around the boat.- Brad Harding

www.IslamoradaSportFishing.com.

Marathon is called the Heart of the Keys, but it’s the tummy that will get the attention at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival.In its 37th year, the fun-filled feast is set for March 15 to 16 at the Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside.

The annual munch-a-thon features local delicacies like Florida lobster, stone crab claws, pink shrimp and smoked fish. Keys chefs are to offer conch in chowders, salad and fritters. Fresh oysters and clams, fried local fish and even hot dogs are to await hungry customers.

Sweet treats, including fresh Key lime pie, should provide a fine finish to the seafood extravaganza. Beer and soft drinks will be available as well.Other attractions include a nautical flea market, boat show, arts and crafts booths and scheduled entertainers including the Key Lime Pie Band.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 15 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the final day. Admission is $8 per adult. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce sees volunteers to work at the festival. Anyone interested can call Stacie Kidwell at 289-3503 or send an e-mail to stacie@yourkeysconnection.com.Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and free admission to the festival the day they work.

The ninth annual St. Patrick’s Celebration will be held at the Key Largo Civic Club.

The March 15 event will have activities from noon to 7 p.m. The traditional parade will start at 1 p.m. from Key Largo Community Park, mile marker 100 oceanside and winding through the Waldorf shopping center and back to the Civic Club.

A corn beef and veggie dinner will be served throughout the day with fresh vegetables prepared all day, organizer Norm Higgins said.

Live entertainment will include two Irish bands and other acts. There is no charge for entertainment. Corn beef dinners are $10. For information or to volunteer, contact Higgins at (305) 588-4749 or Bev Middleton at (305) 451-8137.