By: Capt. Bart Marx
Being able to go offshore for snapper this month with decisively depend on the weather. On some of the deeper reefs you will be able to find yellow tail snapper. They usually like structures that have lots of relief, and it is best to anchor up current of the structure and chum the snapper to you away from the structure. These types of structures are also loaded with goliath grouper and the challenge is to get your catch to the boat before they grab it and head back into the structure. Then there is a good chance there may be sharks and barracudas that will steal half of your catch, making it rewarding if you get them into the boat whole. If the “taxman” stays too persistent where you are fishing, it’s probably time to move to another area. If you move to some natural bottom in 60+ feet of water you can find a spot that will have some lane snapper, which are great table fare. Check the FWC regulations for the amberjack/reef donkey as they are lots of fun and are great for smoked fish dip. If you use fish rules they have the Federal regulations for the species that you can harvest when you go out past 12 miles in to Federal waters. Nearshore along the coast, you may find some schools of the bull reds the breeding stock and they are usually over the 27″ limit. The big reds can also be found just inshore on the grass beds where there are plenty of finfish for a hearty meal. They come to fatten up to go offshore to spawn in deeper waters, and you may also find a cobia cruising the edges of the sandbar looking for food. This also is a great month to catch your Grand Slam; snook, red, trout, and a tarpon to complete your Grand Slam! As the waters start to cool down there should be pompano coming inshore as they like to skip behind you boat. If you see this, turn around and cast a jig to the area where you saw them skip or if you have a shrimp try one under a bobber. If you are interested in coming along with Capt. Bart Marx to see how we get it done, call me at 941-979-6517 or e-mail me captbart@alphaomegacharters.com I also do training sessions where you hire me to come on your boat and teach you where you can take your boat and show you how to use some of the tackle and rods you already have for inshore or offshore fishing. The holidays are just around the corner and we offer gift certificates for people you may know that would like to experience fishing in Southwest Florida!