More gags, low tides: Bonita Beach, FL Fishbuster Dave

[fishbuster]

Having cancelled several trips due to rough seas and high winds, I finally ventured offshore again Tuesday. Forecasts called for less wind, and seas of 2-3 feet. With tides at dead low, we ran aground a couple of times just getting out through the channel, then got wet in 3-4 foot seas only 8 miles off Naples. We caught lane snapper and grunts, before calling it a day. It was definitely not ideal conditions.

Wednesday was a better day, with the tide a bit higher, and seas calmed to 2-3 feet. I fished 18 miles west of New Pass, using live shrimp. We had good success with gag grouper, landing 3 keepers, 22 1’2 inch, 23 inch and 26 inch. We also got some decent sized keeper lane snapper and mangrove snapper, and we released porgies, grunts, and red and gag grouper shorts.

I fished again Thursday in 45 feet, 19 miles west of New Pass. We got another keeper gag grouper at 23 inches, and lanes and mangrove snapper to 15 inches, using live shrimp and cut-bait. By Friday, rain and seas were building offshore again for the New Years' weekend, so I stayed in port.