Spring is in the air AND the water!

Capt. Larry hasn't let the weather fluctuations slow down his fishing charters a bit; lately, they've been hitting the large Amberjacks hard, using a combination of large live baits and butterfly jigs. After his fishing parties have caught their limit of those reef donkeys [amberjacks], not to mention usually releasing a plethora of more amberjacks, we break out the light rods and tear into the snapper action. We have variety, just to keep life interesting, on Capt. Larry's trips... snappers range from a mangrove, lane, vermilion and huge flag yellowtail snappers. Below is Bill VanWienen from Grand Rapids, Michigan, holding an impressive gag grouper he caught and released using a live grunt in about 125 ft offshore of Anna Maria Island. Bill and party were catching a whole mess of amberjack and a variety of snappers, without even targeting grouper. The party still caught and released 15 huge gag grouper on that charter with Capt. Larry.

A myriad of porgies and triggerfish have also consistently been in the box at the end of the day as well. We are still catching & releasing much gag and red grouper, even though we aren't even targeting them. Best action starts out at about 110 ft, and only gets better as you fish out deeper. Closer in, there are all-you-can-catch sheephead on the artificial reefs, docks and bridges. Off the beach, is where the Spanish mackerel and Bonita seem to be hanging out, so where you go to fish really depends on what you're looking to catch, and inevitably cook up some tasty times of your own!

After perfect weather as of recent, it is an indication that spring just might be here. I forecast pelagics will be close behind, with an early wild and crazy kingfish run... along with cobia and blacktip shark so ready to be caught, they almost jump in the boat! Fishing is great, the weather is beautiful and life is good. Now is the time to come on out and get on the fishin' while it's wet & wild!

Capt Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
Cell: 941-720-6475 | Email captlarrymcguire@gmail.com
Operating out of the Cortez Fishing Center, Bradenton, FL