Capt. Don McPherson
Red Snapper season is here! You will probably be able to catch red snapper most anywhere from 40 feet deep to 300 feet. Fish to the east, fish to the south or fish to the west. These hungry fish will bite squid, frozen minnows or live bait. Remember, the red snapper season for charter for hire boats is June 1st until midnight on August 1st. This season is 7 days a week. Recreational red snapper season is June 1st through July 28th, Friday through Sunday and July 4th.
Gag grouper season also opens June 1st. I usually find these fish in depths from 140 feet to almost 300 feet. I have caught gag grouper on whole squid, whole frozen minnows, small and large pinfish, strips of bonita and more. Keep your bait on the bottom. Be patient as bites do not usually come quickly. Also be ready for red snapper to take your grouper baits. Deeper water fishing is giving up vermillion snapper and white snapper. Scamp fishing has also been good and should continue into summer. I prefer whole squid and small live baits. These fish are very tasty.
The nearshore trolling bite should continue to improve. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are being caught within 6 miles of the shoreline. Trolling small and medium size spoons behind number 2 planers is a good option.
Offshore trolling for tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi and wahoo is certainly a favorite for many anglers. Avoiding the dirty water that is flowing into the Gulf is one key to success. Find the blue or blue-green water and get your favorite lures in the water.
Whether you are a recreational angler with your own boat, or someone looking for a charter boat, it is June and it is fishing time!
Capt. Don McPherson
251-752-0235
Getaway Charters
www.getawaycharters.com