Open Season
June is here, and that means there are two species we can target and keep. Red snapper and gag grouper season are both open this month. The regulation can be a little confusing, So, I highly recommend checking them at “myfwc.com.” Let’s start with the gag grouper. The limit is still two per person and a 24-inch minimum length. The season opens on June 1st and runs until December 31st. There are a few different ways to catch them. The most popular is bottom fishing. Anchor on your spot and drop a live or cut bait to the bottom. I use 60-pound mono with a 7/0 hook on a Shimano Torium reel. A little tip, try starting out catching some grunts. This is a good way to see if grouper are there. If there are grunts around, usually there are grouper in that spot. Another way to catch them is trolling. Pick the right depth for the lure you’re using and troll an area you believe should hold fish. This is also a great way to find new structure.
Recreational red snapper season will be from June 11th to July 12th. Federally permitted charter boats fishing in Federal waters (past nine miles) must have a Federal reef permit for grouper, cobia and kingfish. We are allowed to fish from June 1st to Aug 1st. The regulation is two per person and 16 inches minimum size. Start in 50 to 70 feet of water to target the reds. One of the best ways to catch them is with live bait like shrimp or small pinfish. I like a spinning reel with 20 to 30-pound braid, a two foot 20-pound leader with a 3/0 to 4/0 hook and enough weight to get the bait down. Don’t use too heavy a weight, because most strikes will come on the fall. Watch your line as it goes down. If you see it stop or move faster, start reeling.
Another fish showing up in numbers are the ” brown bombers” cobia. Regulation is 33 inches to the fork of the tail. Cobia are very curious. Very often they will just show up. For this reason, I always have a pitch bait with a bucktail jig or some other bait to throw quickly. Most of the time they are not shy about what they eat. Keep the bait moving and if they won’t take your bait, try a different one. Free lining a live bait or a dead bait will also work. Chumming will bring them in.
A quick reminder, scallop season opens on July 1st. I know you diehard scallopers already have this etched on your calendar.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!