The conditions offshore have been exceptional. The visibility has been pushing 40 to 50 ft since Grouper opened. No telling how long the above average conditions will stay with us so get after them while it is nice. The wind and the seas have been all over, typical for this time of year. Water temps have been mid 70’s which is above average, but we are glad to have it. Watch out for the west winds to bring in our thermolcine (yes I said it), most seasoned Ponce divers know the potential. It is always there, perfect one day, green and cold the next. Let us pray for conditions to remain.
The cobia have been free swimming as well as on the rays. Flounder are there but showing the pressure of commercial hunting as size and numbers are below average. The Grouper are the prize now that season is open. Keep in mind the rules
24 in. on the gag and 20 in. on scamp and red. They have begun to thin on inshore reefs due to fishing and hunting pressure but the deeper reefs seem to be hold nice fish. The mango (mangrove) snapper, sheepshead and triggerfish have still been out and about as usual. Have you seen the red snapper, my goodness, big and all over. I have seen many in the 20 to 30 lb range with smaller ones schooling all over. Let’s all hope they let us at them, FWC should announce soon the plan.
By Keith Sterner