A Huge Permit in January!Keeper Gag&Snapper:SW FL Fishbu

[fishbuster]

After beginning the week in port, due to rough conditions, I fished offshore Wednesday at the north 240 ledge area, with Mike Jones, Charles Rieger, and Stan Braun. Stan, who was fishing with live shrimp on 12 # test, caught a permit that pegged the boga grip at over 30 pounds, and was 42 inches long (see attached photo). Catching a permit in January was a surprise to all on board: These fish are usually around in spring and summer—not in 56 degree water temperature! Mike also bagged a 23 inch gag grouper, and the group caught fourteen mangrove snapper to 15 inches. We released lots of gag and red grouper, porkfish, and a 15 inch scamp.

Thursday, I fished in about 50 feet, 19 miles west of New Pass on a small rocky edge, with the Don Stevenson party. Though forecasts were for 1-3 foot seas, we fished in 3-4 footers, with a steady wind of at least 15 knots. The bite was a bit slow initially, but we ended up with eighteen mangrove snapper to 15 inches, and released gag grouper shorts and porgies.

Saturday, John Burlingame and daughters Riley and Kaliegh, and grandfather, Ken fished with me west of New Pass. We caught nine mangrove snapper to 14 inches, and released porgies, short gag grouper, and a 17 inch red grouper. The water temperature was quite cold, and the bite was slow, but we had fun, and caught dinner for the family! Find complete info and fish photo album at www.fishbustercharters.com