Snapper Huntin' Offshore Dog Island 6-03-12

[EddieJoe]

Been looking for the best weather day since opening day of snapper season, and today was it. David and I loaded up the boat about 7:30 a.m. at the Carrabelle Boat Club, and joined several other boats heading out. After a stop at C-Quarters for bait, ice, and fuel, we paused at the mouth of the River to try and net some live bait. Just small stuff, so decided to hope for some bait pods offshore or just use cut bait. Based on the last time out, I felt the snapper would not be too picky. Weather was beautiful, although the seas were choppy on top of swells, so the 20 mile trip was not at top speed. After arriving on station, first drop yielded a small shark, and we began to worry a little. Reports at the dock indicated that sharks were packing the reefs and making catching snapper and grouper pretty tough.

Not to worry, because in a moment or two both rods were bowed up and pretty soon red snapper were coming over the rail. It was non-stop for an hour or more, and we carefully chose some of the biggest four (all about 10 lbs each) to cool off on ice. Several undersized grouper were caught and released, plus many more sharks and about 15 or more nice snapper, with the extras released. David added a nice red grouper (8 lbs), plus sea bass. I began to try other baits to see if I could lure a grouper, and the big white jig caught some fish, including more snapper, sea bass, undersized grouper, and even sharks. After hooking what must have been either a bass or a snapper, big black tip grabbed the fish and gave me about a 15 minute fight. Estimated him at about 100-150 lbs, and we cut the leader after bringing the bruiser to the boat.

Headed in as the sea breeze began to build, and had a nice ride back.

Beautiful day.

EJ

The Box:

[mjsigns]

Gettem'

[Sea Fox]

Good deal Eddie, I was wishing I could have gone this weekend. Enjoy the fillets.

[Ranaman]

Great job Eddie!