Pretty Days, Big Fish: Fishing With Captain Larry

The weather finally got somewhat nice and I think half the country came to 30-A. It has been a busy spring break with lots of folks here on vacation from the (still snowing ) North.

We had 4 pretty days this past week and I ran charters each day, even getting in a second short trip one afternoon. My regular morning trips have had us still running offshore a ways in search of big Amberjacks. So far the plan has worked every time but the AJ's are definitely starting to get a little wiser to the pressure and aren't the "easy" catch they were a few weeks ago. Even so , they should continue to provide plenty of excitement and fish Fry's until groupers re-open in 10 days. One of my anglers on the short 2 hour afternoon trip I ran caught and released a fine gag Grouper about 30# within 4 miles of the truck, the opening couple weeks of getting to target the critters should provide some impressive catches.

These folks came last spring and couldn't wait to come catch jacks again.

As you can see from the pictures we have been doing pretty good with the vermilion snappers as well. While they come in a lot smaller packages than the Red Snappers they make for some great table fare, are fun to catch and sure make a fish picture looks nice! They should continue to get thicker and move in closer over the next few weeks.

Another Happy Batch of Spring Breakers!

If you were wondering how these kids catch a big Jack- this is it- They cheat and double or triple up on em!

This dad said it had been years since he had caught a legal Jack- and the first time for his kids.

I told these "breakers" we could stay up inshore and catch lots of fine Snappers and Grouper we had to throw back or we could run offshore and catch some big Jacks and small Snappers they could keep. They voted for the run !

There are lots of rumors flying that several cobia were caught off Pensacola 2 days ago. True or not- it's the right time and they should start showing in earnest this next week. The beach temp is still 62 degrees but the ol' brown back crab crunchers are still goinna come thru. We have a big SE blow today that should get 'em started in the right direction. I know I'm going to have a couple spinning rods rigged with jigs on the boat the next pretty day !

It's Spring- get out there and get in the sun !

Capt Larry Pentel