Report for Destin, Florida - Nearshore

Capt. Larry Pentel
July 29, 2001
Destin - Saltwater Fishing Report

I came back to bottom fish here expecting all the fish to be in the same places they were when I left to go to Indian Pass. The old statement " God gave 'em tales and no fences" was brought to my attention again. I ran a 4 hr last Mon. that was supposed to be for snapper. I hit several of my favorite holes and we only caught 5 legal reds and two blacks. I changed gears so came back in with a good box ( and some Big grouper bites) but the snapper have moved. On tues. I tried some other "honey holes" about 7 miles down the beach with similar success. The snappers have moved. I talked to several other captains who said they can't find much of anything in less than 130' of water to bottom fish for. I guess the "dog days" have hit. Of course one good storm could change everything overnight.

On the brighter side the kings have been doing real well and helped fill the box rather quickly. Wed. and thurs. had the gulf a little wild so I ran a couple a bay trips the end of the week. Pleasant surprises! The trout ( which should be slow in the middle of summer) are biting real good. And , there are a bunch of other critters hungry in the bay too. Friday afternoon I ran a dad and son trip where the the son was 6 years old and dad wanted him to "catch all the fish" . As anyone who has ever fished with little guys knows you got to have lots of action to keep thier interest ( and to have the odds to land a few). He ended up cathing 6 trout, 3 blue fish ( at 5# ea. ) a big spanish, the ever present bunch of cats AND a 31 inch redfish. All this on 10# tackle. The redfish battle must have lasted 15 minutes with dad finally having to help hold the rod for him. We wore the little guy out. Excellent bay fishing for the end of July.

I'm back in the gulf tomorrow for a few days so I imagine I'll be chasing Kings on the 4 hour trips. I'm going back tarpon fishing the 4th (of August) for 10 days and have 3 days still open. Give me a call and we'll go launch some silver rockets. If August is better than July like it usually is I don't know if I'll be able to take it. All that adrenaline pumping through your system has got wear you down eventually.

Capt. Larry Pentel

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