These trips leave the dock at 10pm and it was setting up to a beautiful voyage. The weather
was wonderful. We had close to a full moon and only about 2 ft seas.We traveled around 75
miles out to the first spot, getting there at approximately 7am. Everyone was excited and ready
to go.
The first drop was a little slow, yet we picked off a few American Red Snapper. After that the
next few drops the bite began to pick up. They produced many nice Red Snapper as well as
some very nice Mangrove Snapper (Mangos), a beautiful Scamp grouper and some big
Triggerfish. Unfortunately those were out of season.
I continued to work my way northwest and stopped on a rock that just went crazy. The Vermilion
Snapper (Bealiners) were huge and plentiful, we also got a big Mutton Snapper and some
Yellowtail Snapper and Gag Grouper (also out of season). Then one of the customers "Dave"
hooked into something massive, and that fish took him completely around the boat to the spot
he started in. It was a long tug of war battle but he did great and landed an Amberjack that was
well over 100lb! So sad to see that have to be returned to the deep, another one out of season.
The rest of the trip was amazing, the Beeliners, Mangos, Red Snapper, Gags and Red Grouper
continued to chew. We were even able to find an African Pompano. Throughout the trip we were
able to land 19 different species. Everyone had a great time and filled their coolers. It was a lot
of fun.
Tight lines and good times.
Capt Ché Ruble
Gulfstar Fishing