Family Fishin' Spring Break Style

April 5, 2015 by Larry Pentel

I have been taking lots of families out fishing on spring break. It's a great thing to do with your kids, whether they are 10 or 22, it's fun, gives everybody some good family memories and ... some really good dinners! College kids to grammar schoolers - families that have fished with me for over 10 years and I have watched the kids grow.

While my main stay this time of year is 2 hook fishing for Vermillion Snappers (with great success and lots of limit catches I may add). The big news this time of year is always ... COBIA. I got to run my first dedicated cobia trip yesterday under overcast and minimal conditions with a family who has fished with me for years.

Everyone in the family (mom, dad, older brother) has caught a good cobia, except for the youngest, who is now 14. This was his trip, not only did he get his first one, at 61 pounds it was the biggest anyone in his family had boated to date. We found another fish on a big ray but it was not as hungry and would not cooperate.

Bragging Rights in the family fish album.

While the cobia are here they are not "hot" yet. I looked for almost 6 hours today and we never saw a fish. Capt's Jody and Jimbo out of Grayton have got to look several more days than I and they have each landed 2 nice fish as well. Weather permitting we are all looking forward to good season.

As I mentioned, the Snapper bite has been quite hot. here's some pics of some families that have filled the box with the tasty critters.

College "breakers" with snappers and shark.

Dad and Daughters Spring Break fishing.

These 'breakers didn't need dad's help, they caught a box full on their own.

Another spring family with vermillions and pinks for lots of dinners.

Yes Virginia, there are still lots of BIG Red Snappers too. We just have to throw those back.

These guys said they need enough fish to feed 25 for dinner...they kept 50 snappers and Pinks so I think they had that covered.

More 'breakers with a box full.

I saw my first big school of herring this morning so it won't be very long before the Kings, Mahi and other pelagics are on the beach chasing bait. I can't wait, each season brings such a different batch of fish in to chase. It always seems to keep it exciting. I'm back bottom fishing for a couple days but I have 2 more cobia trips latter this week. So many fish, so few days to chase 'em all.

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Larry Pentel's picture

Captain Larry Pentel is a native of South Walton, growing up just 300 yards from the beach. Having fished the local waters for over 40 years, he is very familiar with all the different types of local fish, their habits, and most importantly - their habitats. Captain Larry is the owner of Dead Fish Charters

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