Big Fish, Big Surf, Big Time in SoWal

Yep, it's fishing report time so the surf must be up. We have had a lot of weather the past several days that has kept everyone on the hill. Nothing tropical, just breezy and surfy, looks like we may have another couple rough days as well.

Last week had some wonderful conditions and some fine catches of fish for my anglers. It has been really nice to be able to keep some of these fine red snappers we have to throw back most of the year. Gag (Black) groupers open tomorrow so we will have a 12 day overlap this July where we can keep both of the most famous species in this part of the Gulf.

At least as long as this surf lays down! The Kings are here with quite a few bigger fish for this time of the year, the Red Groupers and Scamps have continued to cooperate fairly well and there are still LOTS of nice Vermillion snapper biting, all those along with the occasional Black and Lane snapper have kept the braggin' board full.

While I am usually bragging on my clients catches I have to brag about a great honor I had a couple weeks ago. The artists colony at Gulf Place called me and asked if they could use a picture from my web site that Kurt Lishka (of SoWal.com fame) had taken of me and my anglers with their catch on the opening day of Red snapper season a couple years ago.

See Red Snapper Rally Photo Gallery.

They wanted to use it for a "Battle of the Brushes" paint off on a big soiree' at Gulf Place.
Kurt and I were both quick to say "Yes" and I got to watch some of South Waltons best artists do their impression of me with a catch. One of the artists painted me as cat dreaming of fish..... any way, I was quite honored and wanted to share.

Some of the artists and their "DeadFish" work.

I know, everybody that actually looks at this just wants to see fish pics so.... here you go. A few of the great catches since my last report.

Family fishing with some nice Red snappers, Black Snappers and a big Red Grouper on a morning 4 hour trip.

Another morning family trip with some big Red snappers.

This family has been fishing with me for about 15 years and caught a few BIG Red Snappers this morning.

Making memories and getting to brag too! Family Fishing Fun.

Another long time fishing family on a 3 hour afternoon. Dad not only caught the biggest Red Snapper & the big Black Snapper but also had a fine Gag Grouper we released and a 10# Trigger we let go as well! When your Hot, your Hot!

The Mom in this family and I have known each other since we were 14 or so, running around on the beach back in the "good old days". She brought her family back for some good right now days fishing on a 3 hr afternoon trip.

This family books me 4 or 5 mornings in a row every year and while the anglers change most days Dad comes every day. He highlined this trip landing both those great Grouper as well as some fine snappers. He was nice and let the "other guys" catch the Kings.

Just to prove it wasn't an accident he got the big grouper the next day too.. It makes my life so easy when I have folks that "know the drill" don't yank and wind like all get out!