This is a follow up to a past report I did on getting the fishing bug. On a recent charter, I had the honor of taking a fellow Weeki Wachee Anglers Club member Ed Bennett, his son and his young grandson Will fishing. We fished nearshore for awhile and caught a few fish. Ed was concerned that offshore might be a little much for his son and grandson. As the day went on, the seas were near flat. I asked if we could move out a little and they agreed. I anchored on one of my spots and we began to catch one white grunt after another. I really wanted Will to have the chance to catch a lot of fish and he did. The smile on his face and Ed’s were priceless. I take my grandson RJ out and get to enjoy his excitement, so I know Ed was happy. As a guide, I get more enjoyment out of this kind of fishing than any other. So, I hope when I’m able to take young people out that I have given them “the bug.”
If April is as good as March, we are in for some incredible fishing. Spring is probably my favorite time of year. We’ve been waiting for warmer weather and warmer waters, and they are here! The offshore fishing seems to get better everyday. Grouper, hogfish, mangrove, cobia, kingfish and mackerel are all in full swing. Bottom fishing is probably the most productive. For grouper, use cut or frozen baits with about three-ounce weight and a 6/0 – 7/0 circle hook. Try putting out a free line of live bait for cobia or kingfish. I like to keep a pitch bait ready in case a cobia swims by. Put it in front of them and keep it moving–then hold on. For snapper, I like to use either cut or whole live shrimp on a jig or small hook with a pinch weight.
Another interesting experience happened recently on one of my charters. We were trolling a seven-inch Rapala plug in about 25 feet of water. The rod goes off and my customer starts the fight. As I start to see the fish, I say “it’s a Spanish mackerel” (we’ve been getting them trolling lately). To my surprise, it was a 23-inch trout. This was a first for me.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!