Alligator Point 7/5/03

[fish finder]

This report is for this Saturday but the report is almost identical to the trip I made last Saturday. I just didn't get around to filing a it. Both days I fished the waters primarily due South of Alligator Point in 50ft to 65 ft. We caught and released at least 40 short red grouper on both days. We managed 5 keeper gags last Sat. and 6 keeper gags this Sat. On both days the morning bite produced most of the bites. Once you get passed noon the fish seem to get tight lipped. We used live pinfish mostly but did manage a few nice red snapper in 65 ft on squid. The water clarity was fair and the seas were 2-3ft both days. We did have one cobia join us for the ride home this Sat. He hit a live pinfish before the grouper could get it. He went 25 lbs and about 40 inches.
The grouper bite is there, it's just tough to get the big ones. I suspect with the water temps now above 80 degrees that you'll have to go to at least 80-100 ft to get them. If you go, take live bait and go early. We tried trolling but the grass was thick where we were at so it was all but impossible. Fish hard in the AM and spend the afternoon looking for new bottom:)
Capt. Jay

[dstockwell]

Thanks for the report, sounds like your catchin them up. 80 - 100 foot thats a long way.