Grouper Diggin'
Capt. Larry Pentel
September 19, 2011
Destin - Saltwater Fishing Report
Friday the 16th was the long awaited opening of Gag (Black) Groupers in the Gulf. I had a group of locals from Panama city who enjoyed the great weather that morning while catching a limit of Good Groupers on a half day. It sure was nice to not have to worry about 'em being eaten by dolphins since my anglers were actually going to eat a few for a change !
The first ones for the grill in 2011
Friday afternoon I went back out with some vacationers and they got into 'em just as well. I have to admit I sure like just running slip lead gear and not having to cut bait for 2 hook rigs !
Happy afternoon fishermen
Saturday was a little breezy so I kept the young couple fishing with me up in close where it was still calm. They lost some big fish, threw back some REALLY big Snappers and got to take home a limit of groupers as well.
They had so much fun they said they were gong to look at houses here in the afternoon !
My afternoon was to take another couple out that enjoyed not only some great fishing but a nice clam sea and a sunny sky. They landed a limit of groupers (and threw back 6 more shorts ) quick enough that we were able to do a little trolling on the 3 hr trip as well.
Groupers first and then shoot for a BIG fish. She scores !
Yesterday started out breezy and bumpy again so we tried to catch 'em up in close. As a charter captain it was one of those days that happens every now and then that I just hate. We started out grouper fishing on wrecks and the bite was "off". My folks could get 'em to bite but not really eat the bait. I told to to let 'em have it for a while before they started winding and that got us some big fish hooked but they all got into the wrecks. We tried fishing rocks and all we could catch were (lots of) Snappers, Back to more wrecks and the same story-- plenty of missed fish and lost hooks. At the end of our 4 hrs they had landed dozens of snappers, 6 groupers and a big flounder. Only one of the groupers made the 22" mark though with the others being just short. We did troll for a few minutes on the way in and got a couple mackerel.
The Moon is coming off being full a week ago-- usually the slowest part of the month for the grouper bite. As many as we found this weekend there seem to be plenty around.The fishing will be a lot easier for 'em in a couple weeks on the next moon phase..
Before Groupers opened I took advantage of the extended scallop season and my last "off time" in the fall by going back to Indian Pass and St. Joe Bay. The scallops are as thick as I have ever seen 'em --still! I went 3 days with friends and family and we limited out easily every day. The meats are big, the water isn't crowded and it's not too hot, There is still a week left to get to go so if you have been thinking about it--- get on over with a mask and snorkel.
Capt Kerry with his limit--- in less than 20 minutes !
All those fresh scallop dinners- with just a little shuckin' required !
Get out on the water and take advantage of this great weather and fishing. Fall offers countless choices to enjoy all this area has to offer while getting some of the best seafood in the world at the same time !
Capt Larry Pentel
Deadfish
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