For months now I have been talking to anglers about the hard time they’ve had trying to get their bait past the red snapper in our area. Well, now we don’t have that problem because the season is open in both State and Federal waters from June 11th to July 12th. There have been reports of snapper in 30 feet of water and that’s not very far out. Smaller boats can access these fish on calm days at the OAR reefs and the natural bottom off Dog Island. The season seems short but in the long run, it will help the overall fishery. Charter boats with the proper license have a longer season so if you want someone else to drive you to the grounds and clean your fish, hire a charter. There are some great captains that work our waters.
The rigs for red snapper can be simple. Deep jigs tipped with a Spanish sardine or a large shrimp always get a hit. Live pinfish with a dropper rig consisting of a sinker above a 50 pound mono leader and a 4/0 circle hook is all that is needed. Remember, when fishing for reef fish with baited hooks in the Gulf of Mexico you are required to use only circle hooks. A true circle hook has the point of the hook pointing inward to the shank and is not offset.
Dog Island Reef has been wild this year! Bluefish, trout and some really big Spanish mackerel are all over the grass flats. Look for areas that have sand patches with mixed turtle grass. The water has been clear and it can be like fishing in a fish bowl. Popping corks, top-water plugs and white jigs are the best rigs but you will need a heavy leader when the blues show up.
Pompano are still running the outside of St. George Island and Dog Island and it looks like they may be around all summer. Try the inside flats that are close to the passes since there have been a good many reports of them being taken on fly. White with pink flash is a good combination tied to a 2/0 long shank J hook. It is a fly fisherman’s dream to “match the hatch” and Pompano on an 8 weight is great fun.
Kings are all over the hard bottom reefs and live bait does not stand a chance when you run into them. A good technique to try is, when bottom fishing for those Snapper, put out a Spanish Sardine on a flat line and just throw it behind the boat in the current. It’s a passive way to fish until that 30 pounder hits and screams out 100 yards of line.
Red fish and sea trout are thick all along the flats from Lanark to beyond Carrabelle. This type of fishing is easy and fun. Park your vehicle in a safe part of Highway 98 and simply wade on out. Remember to wear the proper shoes to protect from oyster shells. No matter where you decide to fish be aware of others.
Good luck out there and be safe.
CAPT. CHESTER REESE
Natural World Charters
(850) 228-9060
www.naturalworldcharters.com