Has anyone run recon out past OCHL SHOALS

[Double Naught]

I have not seen many reports from offshore lately. Between the fuel prices and the heat, I have a hard time getting out there myself. If anyone has any current information, I would sure appreciate it.

When did you go?
How was the water clarity?
How bad was the floating grass?
Did you bottom fish?
Did the waves strip all the grass from the shoal?

I have not been out there since early summer and my anxiety is high. Mostly, I am wondering if the recent weather has helped the catchin enough or if I should wait another month and save gas money for the groupa trollin.

[captkeyser]

Went the past two weekends. The water clarity is poor at best. Floating grass seemed to be closer to shore, was able to troll just fine. Catchin has been tremendous in 12' to 20'. Fished mainly out of Aucilla and St. Marks.... in a 17ft G3 I might add. Caught a number of fish just shy of 22", but there are plenty of keepers out there. The storms seemed to push them in, that and the influx of fresh water from the rivers and creeks seems to have jump started the fall pattern. Catching all my fish within site of land.

Kings are in shallow too. Had one about 40-60lbs sky rocket on a pinfish in about 5ft of water on Sunday. Needless to say the fight didn't last long on trout tackle.

Is it worth going??? You bet your arse it is. Looks like Sunday is going to be the day to go, as of now anyway. Good luck.

[Double Naught]

Thanks captK,

That is just what I needed to hear. I'll have to plan on heading out Saturday if the weather is decent and save Sunday as my recovery day. Gonna' load up on a few live pinfish, hit an AJ hole, then hit some live bottom, and troll back in.

I'll let you know how it works out.

...edit: It's Friday night and the forecast is at 3 to 5 feet for Saturday.
It ain't happnin'.