Florida Sportsman Forums - West Central Fishing Reports http://forums.floridasportsman.com/ Fishing, Diving and Hunting Reports Only. en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 03:34:14 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/images/misc/rss.png Florida Sportsman Forums - West Central Fishing Reports http://forums.floridasportsman.com/ 125 feet, limit of red snapper with video from the bottom (6-15) http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116824-125-feet-limit-of-red-snapper-with-video-from-the-bottom-(6-15)&goto=newpost Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:34:07 GMT Trip was pushed back a day but we were still able to get deep. Third time we've limited in the same area in three trips with mixed in large red grouper, mangroves and other fish. So many red snapper out there right now. We motor fish a lot and look for shows on the depth finder.

Here is a video from the bottom. I missed the mark by about 30 feet but you can see the rock piles in the background.

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]]> West Central Fishing Reports chapper http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116824-125-feet-limit-of-red-snapper-with-video-from-the-bottom-(6-15) Longboat Key surf fishing advice http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116773-Longboat-Key-surf-fishing-advice&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:44:32 GMT Hello all. NW Forum guy visiting and asking for some advice. My family and I will be at Longboat Key this weekend. This will be our first time to... Hello all. NW Forum guy visiting and asking for some advice.

My family and I will be at Longboat Key this weekend. This will be our first time to the area.

We do lots of surf fishing in our part of the state (St. George Island, Dog Island, etc.) We normally fish the trough between the beach and the first sandbar, and typically catch whiting, trout, pompano, and the occasional flounder. Should I expect to be able to catch these fish at Longboat as well ? Do I understand correctly that snook can be caught from the beach at Longboat as well? Would you expect that Pompano are still around ?

Any tips for a newbie to the area are much appreciated.

Thanks. ]]> West Central Fishing Reports D Day http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116773-Longboat-Key-surf-fishing-advice <![CDATA[Father's Day ARS Trip]]> http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116745-Father-s-Day-ARS-Trip&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:52:26 GMT I hooked up with Perlman1234 on Father's Day for a 40 mile trip out to sea.

We loaded his boat with poles, food, drinks, sardines, live shrimp, and AsianBait and headed South to launch out of Venice

The rude out was slightly rough until we got past the wind coming off the land. Then she laid down and it was smooth out.

On my first cast, I hooked up with a monster but the lack of experience caused me to pull the hook. ...lesson learned.

We proceeded to drift and move across numerous holes/numbers. After a good 4/5 hours of fishing, here are the results.

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Perlman caught a monster ARS!

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And a monster Gag!

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Who wanted to pose for a picture with me too.

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We let the air out of him, and I put him in the water only to watch him go belly up. So I snatched him back out of the water and realized he needed to vent some more. After he was vented for a second time, he was placed in the water and handled until he revived.

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Once he had some energy in him, he gave Perlman the middle finger and a parting gift ...SPLASH!

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And this is what went home in the cooler with me. Minus the monster ARS and Monster red grouper that went home with Perlman.

Great trip! I popped my 40 miles out; 120 feet+ cherry and enjoyed every minute of it!

AsianBait
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]]> West Central Fishing Reports AsianBait http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116745-Father-s-Day-ARS-Trip Good wading spots in North Pinellas http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116699-Good-wading-spots-in-North-Pinellas&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:01:15 GMT Hey guys, I'm looking for some helpful advice. I've lived in the Palm Harbor area for about 11 years now, and I haven't been able to find any good, reliable wading spots within a 20 minute drive. I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share some spots with me.

I've fished the north side of the Dunedin causeway just past the first bridge and in the Crystal Beach are near the church/pier. Those spots have only produced a few small trout. I've never caught a redfish, but would love to land one. The same goes for snook. I'm trying to get my two oldest kids interested in fishing, so finding a spot or two with some reliable action would be awesome.

I'm not looking to steal anyone's secret spot, so any advice you're willing to share would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Derek :fishing ]]> West Central Fishing Reports DGatorGrad http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116699-Good-wading-spots-in-North-Pinellas past week off the bank http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116698-past-week-off-the-bank&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:47:21 GMT Well I don't post much on here but the past week I've too every chance I could to take my boys fishing. We been fishing around pass a grille mostly and hittin some spots on the intercoastal by the house. Last Friday we got on some mangroves off the Jetty and went thru 4 dz shrimp in 2 hrs. Lots of short ones but did manage to get a few keepers. Today I decided I dident really want to go I work so I stayed home to spend time with the kids and go fishing lol Hit the Jetty again and th bite was alot slower than last fri. Some guys were there fishing for snook and weren't doing any good. We had 3 mangos on the stringer and I dropped a shrimp over the side and BAM! Snook on! Well I had 30lb braid with a 25 lb leader so I wasent worried about that but I was worried about was the short shank #1 tiny little hook I had tied on. Well a short fight and a cple good drag screaming runs I get her headed for the rocks were we can land her and right at the rocks the line pops and luckily one of the guys fishing there was close enough to jump in and pull the tired beast from the water. 37 inches and I'm assuming close to 30lbs but I'm not sure. Also managed a cple more mangos in a diff spot and headed home. All in all a pretty good week for us.
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]]> West Central Fishing Reports Psehunter http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116698-past-week-off-the-bank ARS-Mango http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116676-ARS-Mango&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:32:51 GMT Took advantage today with the winds layed down and headed 40miles south of JPass for some ARS and Mango's. Less than 1ft seas made it easy run all day. hit a few spots and unfortunately was not ready for the Mahi-Mahi attack. able to catch 3 and only bring one in boat. the other were in boat but jumped out. will definetly be ready next time with throw rod and net.
Again, threw back Big Gags. can't wait till opening July. As Always,Fun day with Mark,Charles,Jim, and Tate

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]]> West Central Fishing Reports ECLIPSE http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116676-ARS-Mango Tarpon http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116639-Tarpon&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:55:31 GMT Got out this weekend and got some fish to eat and put some more in the air. Here is a video from one of the fish from Friday evening while fishing... Got out this weekend and got some fish to eat and put some more in the air. Here is a video from one of the fish from Friday evening while fishing with my buddy Jason Stock. It is very interesting to see what they decide to eat each time, this evening they really seemed to want crabs despite being an incoming tide. Every fish that we put in the air came on a free lined crab, we put several other baits in front of them that evening and they seemed had a taste for crabs, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCdoGty2T7M ]]> West Central Fishing Reports panga22 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116639-Tarpon Ft DeSoto 06/23 thru 07/07 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116524-Ft-DeSoto-06-23-thru-07-07&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:40:56 GMT Trying to have a good time as far as relaxing and some fishing. Requesting some advise as to what's biting to what and some idea of location near Mullet Key.

I do not want to invade personal favorates but, some good areas.

Thanks ]]> West Central Fishing Reports fandango http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116524-Ft-DeSoto-06-23-thru-07-07 Ft DeSoto 06/23 thru 07/07 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116519-Ft-DeSoto-06-23-thru-07-07&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:29:08 GMT Trying to have a good time as far as relaxing and some fishing. Requesting some advise as to what's biting to what and some idea of location near Mullet Key.

I do not want to invade personal favorates but, some good areas.

Thanks ]]> West Central Fishing Reports fandango http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116519-Ft-DeSoto-06-23-thru-07-07 june 6 thru14 florida trip http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116489-june-6-thru14-florida-trip&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:18:46 GMT Just got back yesterday morn from Treasure island and absolutely loved it...new wife and i are actually checking into job market in area lol...thanks... Just got back yesterday morn from Treasure island and absolutely loved it...new wife and i are actually checking into job market in area lol...thanks again to all the help and info on the forum that made the fishing part of our trip such an outstanding success at least in our eyes..heres lil rundown on our visit...actually arrived the 4th and left the 15th but these are the days i/we went fishing.

june 6th...storm or no storm i was going tday...took off from hotel down the beach to st johns pass (1/2 mile walk)...arrived there bout 430 am...wind and waves were purty heavy,water clarity to me was great...6 to 8 inches...(later on in my stay discovered how clear it could git ,simply amazing)...still a lot of surface activity though..started throwing 4 inch shad baits on 1/4 oz jighead...strong current and hung up right away...after losing dozen jigs real quick decided to switch to crankbaits to try and learn the bottom contour...tied on #7 glass shad rap and # #11 glass husky jerk both in white....second cast with the shad rap and got a small mangrove snapper 12" long few more hits after that in same area but no hookups...decided still being dark id switch to minnow bait and glad i did..immedieately started catching more mangroves from 8 to 16 inches (13 total) and a sea bass that was just shy of 17"....started gitting light and switched back to the shad rap...first cast 22" trout...second cast a 18" redfish then short while later a 27 inch trout..wife ta be called then n had to head back...she was concerned bout me fishin in the storm.

june 7th arrived johns pass 345 am this time...water was slightly clearer..waves lil smaller also...same shad rap and husky jerk tied on but had also brought some terminal tackle for bait fishing,had noticed when the bite died down day before the tide had changed,really got to movin in that area and couldnt really present the cranks proper anymore...same as day before caught a few mangrove snapper and trout...fewer snapper but ran a lil bigger on average...4 trout were all tween 23 and 26 inches and 1 in slot....put out live bait rod with greenbacks live but not much luck...2 super ugly fish i havent had time to identify...looks like someone took a toad n put fins and a tail on it...had got an identification guide afternoon before and kept a few mangroves and 1 trout over plus my slot..

june 8th must have nerved wife ta be cause she told me git out of her hair till early afternoon when i had to git ready for wedding that eve..worked well for me lol...arrived johns pass at 415am...water was clearer yet...water level had fallen also,figured it was up from storm...same artificials plus used 4inch grubs on 1/2 inch jighead out deeper than cranks would dive...only 5 snapper and 1 26" trout on artificials so decided to seriously try live bait....had put my bait in 5gal bucket as i caught it on sabiki and couldnt figure out why it didnt seem to git any fuller though i kept tossin em in...caught the heron standing 10 ft away snatchn my bait out the bucket when i waded out n my back was turned lol...same as day before i kept gitting short strikes or theyd hit till they killed the bait and leave it...downsized my hooks and started using the greenbacks as cut bait and payed off great....21" 29" and 30" red and 26 inch trout,few mangroves too...only way id git the hits was pinpoint casts to the abutment and feed line till it hit bottom...5ft away no hits from gamefish but got cats and 1 of those "toadfish"

june 10th my long awaited charter trip to gulf for goliath grouper....wife went with me for this 1...our guide was excellent,was definately impressed..knowledge and anchoring skills were great...git out away from shore and all of a sudden i start seeing birds diving..no sooner pointed it out to wife and our capt tells us to look at the bonito feeding...he tosse a jig out n hooks 1..hands the rod to my wife and she had a ball...ran her completely round the boat twice..ended up being snagged towards the tail...we catch few more for bait and head to grouper spot....my first drop and nothing for 3 minutes or so,ive dropped from 5ft above bottom to bottom n back several times with no result so i raise up this time bout 5ft instead...oops lol...bait never falls back down,reel up n do a gentle sweeping hookset with the circle hook ....takes off on me,round back of boat,peels drag...finally git it stopped n on surface right for it bites me off..approx 7ft shark....rerig n drop back down,bait hits bottom start raising up n rod tip heads back down....fish comes up 5ft or so n lets go,hits gain , lets go,third time he gits it good...good hookset,give it all i got n head for bow of boat tryin to git it away from structure....wraps me once for second,git him free and gain lil line...wraps me 2nd time git it free and gain lil more line..at this point im concerned...not budgin this fish much attall...ask the capt how much his rod/reel/line will take n he says everything ive got so i reel way down n start really puttin all the pressure i can on the fish stead of tryin to wear it out...WRONG move....next thing i know im literally drug to stern of the boat..burnin the skin off my knees tryn to brace myself gainst the gunwhale...despite everything it gits me in the structure deep and end up losing it....(wife was sposed to be taping but didnt turn camera onlol)20 minute break for me to recover while i watch my wife catch red and gag grouper...all the while shes pickn on me bout gittin wupped on by the goliath lol....my next drop never hits bottom and im hooked up...go to bow again and we play tug of war a spell...makes a run for deeper water and scared me to death...got my thighs braced gainst gunwhale and before the drag slips my feet actually leave the deck of the boat (got that on my gopro i figure out how to post it)....hook and lose 5 more for the bite slows and sharks move in ruining the wifes fun....try a couple more spots and 3rd one we end up catching gags and red grouper as fast as we can bait and drop for hour and a half (i opted out of trying for goliaths anymore lol)...awesome trip..ive caught many big freshwater fish from blues n flatheads to stripers and sturgeon but never felt anything like the goliaths...best fishing trip of my life even though i didnt land one.

june 11 back at johns pass 4am...waters clearer yet and no waves to speak of...watching tarpon and snook feed in one area drivin me crazy...catch few trout n mangroves on cranks then switch to swimbaits for slower presentation ...first cast with 3 inch and solid hit...completely out of water 4 times is my first tarpon...land it n measures 51 inches give or take...throw for next 2 hours n only 3 snapper...give up at 730..still sore from goliath trip day before

june 13 pass a grille beach....wife and i just playing round with squid and shrimp...she had a blast catching pinfish all day..i try surf fishing with no success in tween hunting shells and just layin round...tide starts turning in afternoon and i see huge tarpon rolling...wade out and start chuckin swimbait out far as i can...got one hit,huge fish but no idea what it was...made 1 long run and leader pops...while im out there see some huge snook cruise by too but cant git a hit

june 14th last day for fishin...3am johns pass cranks arent producing much...had spoke to gentleman at tackle shop trying to git pointers on snook... told me "big" baits so i drove there tday instead of walking in order bring all my gear...tarpon rolling in same spot as last trip but no takers on swimbaits so start throwin shad pattern "super shad rap"....3rd or 4th cast and boom...solid hit....short strong runs then i see it....my first snook...approx 37 inches....nothing much else until daybreak and i notice how much clearer the water is from ever before.switch colors on my jigs and downsize to 3in sassy shad style bait pearl/grey/greenback and for next 3 hours pretty steady action with mangroves of all sizes and few small trout...hooked anuther big fish of somekind...it certainly wasnt concerned much...slow steady run all the way out to the center pilings where it rubbed line gainst them n broke off

again i preciate all the info i gained thru the site and those that had the patience to reply to what were ta yall pretty dumb questions...we had the trip of a lifetime both with the wedding and the fishing ]]> West Central Fishing Reports bluecat http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116489-june-6-thru14-florida-trip 6/17/13 Snook, Reds, Jacks, etc... The Heat is On! http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116469-6-17-13-Snook-Reds-Jacks-etc-The-Heat-is-On!&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:02:40 GMT Quick report as I have been out quite a bit in the last couple of weeks. Some scouting, some trips, and some dialing the Aquasport 22-2 in. Summer... Quick report as I have been out quite a bit in the last couple of weeks. Some scouting, some trips, and some dialing the Aquasport 22-2 in.

Summer is here and the bite is hot!! Spent the last couple weeks inshore in the bay targeting snook, redfish, trout and mixing in some jacks and cobia. Have put some clients on their first saltwater fish, had a few regular customers catching one after another, and did a little fishing myself on Father’s Day with my wife. Right now the snook and reds are cruising the flats on the lower tides, and hugging up into the mangroves on the high tides. We have some jacks, Spanish mackerel, and a few flounder on the deeper drop offs, and some cobia cruising the flats on the backs of big stingrays. Bait is thick and the fish have been eating white bait, along with threadfins when they get fired up.

The week is shaping up to be a great one- good weather forecast with light winds, and great tides leading into the full moon. Tight lines all!
Mason Red 2.jpgMicah Snook.jpgHeath Red.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater

Have some other pics, but they kept being imported sideways, so just went with these.
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]]> West Central Fishing Reports Tarpontine http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116469-6-17-13-Snook-Reds-Jacks-etc-The-Heat-is-On! Big Sharks and Big Gag video http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116455-Big-Sharks-and-Big-Gag-video&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:08:36 GMT This is the full video from our trip to shark alley,leave a comment if you like the episode. http://youtu.be/5vhiyAGlX4A:fishing This is the full video from our trip to shark alley,leave a comment if you like the episode.
:fishing ]]> West Central Fishing Reports jewfish7 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116455-Big-Sharks-and-Big-Gag-video Manatee RiverAngling http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116450-Manatee-RiverAngling&goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:27:51 GMT My buddy Jeff invited me to go fishing Sunday. He had just bought a house on a canal of the MR and wanted to learn the area a bit. We fished from... My buddy Jeff invited me to go fishing Sunday. He had just bought a house on a canal of the MR and wanted to learn the area a bit. We fished from about 7am till 1pm. It was so hot. The water was hot and a rain squall coming up the river ended our day, but the fishing wasn't that good anyway. Just a quick report on the areas we fished and the fish we caught.

We hit the south side of the 75 bridge first. I lost a small snook on 4"shadflash. There were tarpon rolling under the bridge, but couldn't connect. Jeff hooked and landed a small snook. We went further up river and found a shade line in a little bay on the north side of the river. Jeff had a couple of good pops on the big spook in bone, but didn't hook up. I lost a small snook on the spook jr.

We worked a long mangrove line near Redfish Point but had no luck

Went to my north side docks that have produced in the past. First cast under the last dock and I caught a small snook on the 4" sf. We kept working docks and Jeff landed a small snook also on a paddle tail. Proceeded on down and we were probing under a dock thoroughly. Nothing. Made one more cast to the T of the dock and it got crushed. Set the hook on a good fish that went ballistic. She went out and then back for the dock. Kept her away and she made a great jump. Circled the boat and Jeff got her in the net. She measured 28.5".

28.5 inch Manatee River snook 001.jpg

Down at the last dock now and I hooked and landed another small snook on the same lure. we went up to my trout spot but nobody home. Further up river now to the finger with the marina. Water temp was 91. We worked the island and no strikes. All the way to the back and then worked all the docks coming back. No strikes.

We went back to the bridge and Jeff had something break his line on a 4" paddle tail in rootbeer w/ chartreuse tail. The wind shifted and we could see the rain in the distance. We headed for the house. It was a decent day and is always fun to fish with Jeff on his great Ranger boat. Thanks Jeff! Look forward to doing it again some time, especially come fall, winter and spring. That is when the MR really pays off.
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]]> West Central Fishing Reports Bassin Assassin http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116450-Manatee-RiverAngling Why we are so proud to be Florida natives http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116328-Why-we-are-so-proud-to-be-Florida-natives&goto=newpost Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:36:02 GMT Why we are so proud to be Florida natives: The sportsmen/women who live in this tropical wonderland we call Florida are twice blessed. Our waters... Why we are so proud to be Florida natives:

The sportsmen/women who live in this tropical wonderland we call Florida are twice blessed. Our waters are teaming with fish, and our fields are loaded with game. Why are we so proud to be Florida natives? Who wouldn't be? Our fishing and hunting seasons can both be enjoyed twelve months out of the year. Yes! even hunting. The mighty Florida wild hog, the monster with an attitude, all bad, has no season limitations. My daughter, Dee, and I love to hunt this toothy beast. Check out Dee's picture in the June edition of Florida's own Woods'nWater magazine:

Come July 23, Dee and I will once again be visiting Cedar Key's Tiger Island Outfitters. Hosted by our very good friends, Tracy & Crichton Allen, we will be in hot pursuit of the Florida wild hog. In the mean time, it's fishing the fabulous Florida Middle Grounds. One thing about fishing the Grounds, you never know what to expect. Only one way to find out, let's go see.
Friday, June 14, three P.M. Forty five adventurers, men and women who really take their fishing seriously, board the Florida Fisherman ll, Hubbard's Marina, Madeira Beach, Florida, for a 39 hour excursion deep into the very heart of the Middle Grounds. We are welcomed by long time resident chef, Ms. Tammy-Jersey girl- Koota. Welcome to our home away from home for the next thirty nine hours:

Let's go:

When Will speaks, we listen:

Bunk time, but first let's not forget that famous Chef Tammy's meat ball cheeses sub. We want to be at our very best. One A.M., Captain Garett Hubbard sounds the alarm, battle stations! Up, and at um! We are on a mission. The bite is not fast, but look at these beauties:


We are hungry, our chef to the rescue. Those hot off the grill ham and cheese snacks are really appreciated:

Sun up, let's move out to two hundred feet, a little West of the Grounds, where the big boys play:
Philip, that's a real beauty:

Fishing next to me, spot # 24, we are honored to have Mister Chuck Patterson, Mooresville, Indiana. Mister Patterson owns Patterson Driveline & Machine:
Chuck, that's one heck of a vermilion snapper:

Man, that Indiana town of 6.35 square miles can really be proud of Chuck:

Let's have an early lunch. Tammy, have anything good? How does potato salad, and beer batter dipped fish sound? Tammy, New Jersey can be very proud of their native daughter, I know we are:

Not bad, not bad at all. And we are just getting started:

Julio, see why we appreciate Tammy so much?

Ivan, that's a beauty:

Mister Mike Fine, that's one heck of an American red:

We now have a good mangrove snapper catch and still ongoing:

Philip, we can be thankful we have Jon from the FWC on board:

Those darn gags are everywhere. Next month begins pay-back-time:

We all know the importance of real on the water data in the management of our fishery. The very hard working, dedicated, biologist of the FWC accompany the Florida Fisherman ll on a very regular basis. Thank you Jon & Company, thank you FWC for all you do:

We can do our part in helping by reporting any caught tagged fish. The FWC number to call is on the tag:



Craig, hope you are entered in the jack pot:

Now there is a real black grouper. We do not see too many of them. They are unusual:

Speaking of unusual, Julio, let's see that African pompano:

Unusual once again. Even Will, the long time first mate on the Florida Fisherman ll, says this is only the second lion fish he has ever seen. We are told they are very detrimental to our reefs; do not return one to the water alive:

Outriggers on a head boat, now that's unusual. Mister Eddie Sumrall, bet here is that you know how to use those long poles:

Eddie, that wahoo is the catch of the day:

Mister Sumrall, show us the rig you used to land your trophy:

Sundown over the Florida Middle Grounds, Absolutely priceless:

Tammy, we have been battling the monsters of the Grounds for almost twenty hours. Hope you have something good to eat. Let's start out with a garden fresh salad, and then the show stopper, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and the best salisbury steak imaginable. Jersey girl, you are the best!
The evening mangrove snapper bit is very slow. Non-the-less, we have a fine catch. Let's hit the bunks & enjoy the long ride home.



Now that's a fine catch. Eddie, let's see that mutton:


Sir, you can be proud of that black grouper. We see very few of them in this area:

Who will be in the money, the big money? Captain Garett, and Captain Dylan Hubbard are really proud of that mutton:

Now that's snapper to be proud of:

Captain Garett Hubbard congratulates Eddie & Craig, the jack pot winners:

Totals for trip as provided by Captain Dylan Hubbard:
250 mangrove snapper, 75 American reds, 2 African pompano, 1 wahoo, 1 mutton snapper, numerous red grouper, 1 black grouper, and many vented & released gags.

Why are we so proud to be Florida natives? Because we have had the privilege of enjoying this tropical wonderland for a live time. We are proud of our state, and our woods'nwaters. Want to fish & hunt twelve months out of the year? Join us!

Catch all the Middle Grounds action in this short action packed video. (click on the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXGZLs4TLvc

Florida natives Bob, Florida Outdoor Writers Association, and daughter Dee Harbison ]]> West Central Fishing Reports harbison http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116328-Why-we-are-so-proud-to-be-Florida-natives I feel like I got hit by a truck yesterday 6/161/13 http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116295-I-feel-like-I-got-hit-by-a-truck-yesterday-6-161-13&goto=newpost Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:47:16 GMT Our plan was simple, it was foolproof...or at least we thought. I met up with Capt Jimmy Bennett the day before so he could drop off five bait... Our plan was simple, it was foolproof...or at least we thought. I met up with Capt Jimmy Bennett the day before so he could drop off five bait traps. I told the crew we were going to take off about daybreak, go catch a limit of red snappers then try to find a few mangos on the way in.

Everything seemed to be going as planned except when we were pulling out of the marina I saw Scott (Blue runner) and his dad coming back in. They said it was snotty and there was a big storm just north of us. They decided it was better to sit at the dock than to get the mess beat out of them. Not the stuff I wanted to hear. We picked up the traps, that were loaded with little pinfish, and started to head out into the so called one foot seas and 3 knot winds. After rounding the south end of Anclote we were greeted with 2-4 foot seas and a stiff 15 knots. We made it out about 8 very painful and pounding miles before John (Capt. Sunburn) started questioning if we should turn around join the Blue Runner crew back at the dock. I assured the guys it would only get better the deeper we got, but we took a vote and everyone seemed okay to keep pushing further out. No longer were red snappers on the menu. I just wanted to push out to 100' or so in an attempt to catch some other species.

After another 2 hours of getting the crap beat out of us we finally made it out deeper to the first spot. We made a couple of drifts and it produced a mixed bag of jacks, gags, and mangos. Anyone who has ever fished with me knows that I hate to anchor but with the stiff winds, big swells, and ripping current it was a must. We dropped the hook and it was perfect, 7 feet directly in front of the spot. The next two hours we proceed to fill a 150qt cooler with big mangos. It would have been more snappers but we kept getting the occasional by catch or break off from big jacks or gags. Just before I decided to leave that spot I managed to catch a nice rusty belly on 30lb snapper tackle. I actually broke the fish off earlier because when I got him up I saw two circle hooks buried in the corner of his mouth. Greedy grouper couldn't stop eating those 3" pinfish.

We pushed further out to about 140' and that spot produced more of a mixed bag that seemed to be dominated with red groupers. I noticed Josh (Bear ohs) kept insisting they go in the fish box. He mumbled something about them tasting better than the tilapia he normally buys from Publix. I was like whatever, to each his own. Quickly I grew disgusted with this red grouper dominated spot and I pushed further out to 150' in search of some red snappers. We found the snappers at the last spot for sure, only thing was they weren't red. Mangos, mangos, and more mangos. We filled up another fish box and decided to make the long run home.

I can't thank my crew enough for their help. Jimmy and John did a great job of cleaning the boat. Rich and Josh cleaned all the fish. I did nothing....I sat around and took a break because I drove in that mess all day.
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]]> West Central Fishing Reports Jayzilla http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?116295-I-feel-like-I-got-hit-by-a-truck-yesterday-6-161-13