Report for Destin, Florida - Nearshore

Capt. Larry Pentel
August 7, 2004
Destin - Saltwater Fishing Report

We have had a great tarpon season so far this year at the "Pass". As usual since I'm able to sit down and type it means the weather isn't condusive to fishin' today tho.

The tarpon have been here about all month and even the days we didn't get to catch one my folks saw enough of 'em to stay exited. The catfish and sharks (boy are there a bunch of sharks)keep everybody winding in something most of the day. Weve had several days of getting 2 fish to the boat including one day where we left at noon and came back in at 4:30. We spent most of the time hooked up to fish with the exception of the 10 minutes it took to net bait. Got one to the boat @ 175# that day.

A usual the fish here are big. The smallest one we've got so far was around 50# and have had several on over 200#. For those that haven't been there a Tarpon that size doesn't quit. It may lay on top for a little bit and you think it's whipped and then go to jumping again after you've been fighting for 2 hours. We lost one fish on the 5th jump late in the afternoon that I was actually glad got off. We'd had one to the boat earlier that day already @165# that took a little over 2 hours. This fish would probably have fought till midnight had it stayed hooked. Late in the day those 75# fish look good.

The wind is blowin' 25 knots due east today so fishin' is shut down for a few days. I've only got a few more Tarpon days on the books and then it's back to S. Walton and bottom fishin in less than 2 weeks. As much as I enjoy fillin' the box with snappers and groupers I'm still a sucker for watching a fish as big as I am jumping right behind the boat. These old Tarpon are definately the premier big game fish in this hemisphere. For those that have been able to land one over 100# you know what I mean. For those that haven't- your imagination isn't quite vivid enough- they really do jump higher and run faster than anything else.

I've talked to the Grayton boys a few times and they say the beach bottom fishin' is in the "dog days" mode. They're gettin a box of fish but havin' to work hard for 'em- yet another good reason to stay here 2 more weeks- I think i'm getting a little spoiled with being in the best place at the best time for the best fishin'. I love it when a plan comes together.

Capt. Larry Pentel

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