The dog days of summer appear to be coming to a close judging by the fish activity. The inshore banks are exploding with spanish mackerel and bluefish so thick a trout doesn't stand a chance at grabbing a bait. Capt. Steve Rassel was in a froth of feeding mackerel yesterday when one of his fishermen brought in a nice spanish boatside. Before they could land the fish, a silver streak came by the boat, engulfed the spanish and the fight was back on. What a surprise attack! What was more surprising is that they landed the attacker; a 24 pound kingfish! You never know what's next with saltwater fishing. More good news... Trout have moved in closer. Folks are coming in with limits, fishing in 4-6' of water, bouncing jigs over the grass. And more good news... Reds are readily taking baits along the shoreline. Use larger baits, these reds are hungry. Inshore fishing has turned on and is expected to improve.
Good news from the offshore front... keeper grouper are being caught on hard bottom that is covered up by just 40' of saltwater. Translation, no long boat rides and smaller boats can run out quickly and pick up some fresh fish. The good news keeps coming in... I've been picking up some fine grouper trolling. It has been over two months since the trolling rods have seen the light of day. When the first pole bent over, slipping some drag, it was a welcomed sight.
I went exploring offshore Monday with Dewey Johnson, Tom Keels, Jere Firth and Keven Wilkinson. It's nice just to meander around looking for new 'honey holes'. You don't know if you're going to find something or not. The thrill is in the journey. We trolled until something looked interesting and we anchored. One spot goes into the log book as a goody. The baits spent minimal bottom time as the grouper hit them on the way down. We picked off ten keepers and moved on from sights unseen. It was a great day with some fine guys.
Capt. Brian Smith, Big Bend Charters
Steinhtachee Fishing is hot as temperature subside
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GrouperMaster
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