Red snapper is still the hottest game in town! Even though the season is short, the catching is long. Both State and Federal waters are producing good catches. When a bait is dropped offshore you don’t have to worry about not getting down to the gags, it’s all right there with those once pesky red snapper snapping up the bait. Mangrove snapper, also known as grey or black snapper, are out there and you can take up to five of them in the aggregate catch numbers. Be careful when counting your catch because there is a black snapper with a different creel regulation, but it is actually a deep water fish not normally found in this immediate area. The mangrove is on the spawn at the full moon of June, July and August, and they congregate in big numbers around any structure that comes off the bottom. Try jigs tipped with shrimp or strip bait. Vermillion snapper is another fine fish for the fish box. They are a smaller species often referred to as Bee Liners. This fish may be small but they’re great to eat having a white, sweet meat. They like deeper water but fight hard when hooked up in the 50 feet plus depths. Make sure to consult the State and Federal regulations on all fish, but especially the snapper types. It is a good idea to have the FWC website info on your phone because they are watching and checking.
Inshore waters have started to clear up and trout and reds are on the feed. There have been some great catches reported from the flats on the St. George Sound side of Dog Island and at St. George Island around the State Park area. Rattlesnake Cove and the surrounding flats have been a hot spot. These flats can also be fished by wading out from shore. Remember to wear good solid water shoes when doing this because the oysters have sharp edges to their shells and will cut like razors.
I feel the need to address here the issue of boating and fishing etiquette. It may sound silly, but respect for other fisherman is part of the game. State law requires boats to be 100 feet from each other when fishing a spot…common sense requires a lot more than that. When on the water give those boats at anchor some room. Don’t race by the folks on the flats and spook their fish. No one likes their day to be a hassle, so be smart and think about what you are doing.
Good luck and be safe out there.
CAPT. CHESTER REESE
Natural World Charters
(850) 228-9060
www.naturalworldcharters.com