Offshore from Sanibel, where to catch Blue Runners

36Tango

We have had a place in CC for about 5 years now and are learning slowly how to fish the salt (live in the midwest). 5 years ago we  started just fishing inshore, but the Lake O discharges ruined that for us, so now we go offshore (Glacier Bay 2665 Canyon Runner). We like to go to the Fantastico when time allows, but also hit the Mohawk and Pegasus, amongst a few others. If nothing else, we like to get out into the "nice" water.
Being from the midwest, we do not get allot of opportunity to catch "big" fish, so when we are down, we like to try to target AJ's, Goliaths, Barracudas, etc. We also catch plenty of smaller fish, but always release everything but just a few to eat over the next few days. 
Anyway, can anybody give me any insight on how or where to purposely target Blue Runners and other larger baitfish? Can a guy just go out 10 miles, anchor up and start chumming? Is there a special contour or depth to go to? Of course I am not asking for any exact spots. 
I have watched about all of the Florida Sportsman youtube videos, I just cannot find enough info on catching decent bait.
Thanks a bunch!   

bigfinn35

You should be able to find runners and other bait over most wrecks or artificial reefs. I like a larger 4-hook sabiki tipped with small pieces of squid when I'm trying to catch bigger baits, you might end up with some snapper bycatch doing that as well. 

Chumming always helps too. 

larrywitt

Well this is what works for us most of the time.  Out redfish pass as you are running out  there will be large humps in the bottom  the top being as shallow  as 27 ft. the edge all around will be 40 to  39 ft. fish the edge of the drop.  Fish the current flowing over the edge. Your chum will attract the bait fish. Sibiki rigs  work great. . We / I only use a 4 hook rig.   26-27.179  082-19.440 should be the lower edge
       26-27.027   082-19.653 should be the upper edge It will not be a sharp edge more of a slope.
 Your GPS should show the humps in this area and the live fuzzy bottom that hold the fish.
Hope this helps
 larrywitt

NoreastSalt3295

Blue runners and big pins were all over the nearshore reefs a few days ago. Big sabiki or really anything will work.

36Tango

I do appreciate all of the tips!

Capt Dan Medina

depending on your departure point, several options. Throw a cast net over one of the several grass flats in 3-5 ft of water will get you pinfish... small or large, the predators will eat them. Blue Runners tend to hover over large structure, so a place like edison reef or the arc towers usually has them. Toss in a traditional chum block and they should come up into the slick. single gold hook or a strong sabiki rig will do the trick.