Story
Seeing Red (Snappers) in SoWal
June 4, 2018 by Larry Pentel
June 1st is the official start of summer for most folks. Also the end of Triggerfish and Amberjack season for a couple months. BUT, the start of Red Snapper and Gag Grouper!
Red Snapper opened up for Federally permitted charter boats on the 1st so I am driving the "pointed nosed boat" with the permit until at least the 11th when snappers open to the general public. I got to run 2 trips on opening day and we got nice limits of Red Snappers on both the morning 4 hr and the afternoon 3 hr. Too rough today so I am having to wait to go chase 'em for a day or 2.
May had great catches of Vermillions and Triggers pretty much every trip. The Kings co-operated quite often and we caught lots of Amberjacks with some pretty big ones making the bragging board and dinner table as well.
Here's a few pics....
Limit of AJ's, Triggers and Vermillions. That's a busy 4 hour trip!
We had to let 'em go but that angler is proud of that Gag!
Proud of some of what we got to keep too!
AJ's Triggers and Vermillions.... it's what's for dinner.
Opening morning of Red Snapper, a bonus King and 3 Lanes along with vermillions too.
and the 3 hr afternoon trip had a bonus Mahi !
I'm looking forward to getting to keep a few Gags along with the Red Snappers in the coming weeks. Now if the weather will just calm down and get into a decent summer pattern.
Tagged
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.
