In March I had 6 members of the Carrol family out for a fishing adventure. It was too breezy to go out into the Gulf that day so we found some places to hide where the fish were biting inshore. Our first stop was at the phosphate dock pilings in Boca Grande where they caught some nice flounder and sheepshead. They kept me busy taking fish off and putting on fresh bait so I had very little time to talk and get the scoop on who was who in this family of dad, cousins and sisters. After some time, we were visited by snorkelers and other boats so it was time to make a move to another spot not far from where we were fishing. We moved about three hundred feet so we could fish another area of the dock. The Dad/Husband lost something big in this spot, we think it might have been a snook. He yelled and the rod was bent and line was going off the spool and then it came unbuttoned (SNAP) - the look on his face was priceless. He just lost possibly the largest fish he ever had on a rod and reel and he was bewildered. Needless to say it took a few minutes for him to accept that he lost the battle. Again it was time to find another fishing area. We idled through the canal system of Boca Grande so they could see Boca Grand Marina and the golf course where the Bush family has played in the past. And we passed the Inn of Boca Grande and the big yachts and houses where the joke today is the millionaires that are getting bought out by the billionaires. Then we traveled over to the edge of Bull Bay where we anchored up once again to fish. Once again they kept me busy there catching lady fish, trout, jack crevelle, and a few catfish. This is where the sisters had a double hookup on snook too. All in all, the Carrol family and I had a fun trip. There was enough fish for fish tacos that evening. My quick fish taco recipe is coleslaw, shredded cabbage and Marzetti's slaw dressing, fish of your choice and choice of preparation too - fried, grilled etc. Then you finish it off with some Mango salsa, winner! It is easy and tastes pretty good too. So if you would like to have your own Florida Fishing adventure call Capt. Bart Marx at 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com. I can go on your boat with you or you can come along on our boat to make your own memories on the waters of South West Florida. And always remember that singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

Hello fellow anglers! Spring is springing and the bite is on. There should be some good action out in the Gulf - red grouper out in 60 to 90 feet of water; AJ’s on the deep wrecks and reefs. There could also be some kings wandering in the 40 to 60 foot range where there are schools of bait to feed on. Also at this depth you can find some mangrove snapper, lanes, porgies and white grunts. These are all good table fare and you can catch plenty when you get them feeding. I like to start with frozen baits like shrimp, squid, and sardines to get it started then when things slow down, dip into your live shrimp bucket and keep the bite going – you can usually catch some nice fish. I use live shrimp that I get at Fishin’ Franks in Charlotte Harbor. There could be some triggers out there too, but check the FWC regulations as they may have changed and we all are responsible to know, so check before you leave the dock. Moving inshore, you can find snook, reds, trout and also pompano and cobia cruising the flats. There has been reports of nice sized sharks that have been biting through 200 lb. steel leader. There are plenty of black tips cruising the bars in search of a fish dinner. This is one of the best months for fishing in S.W.Florida, so get out there and ketch’em up. If you need to learn how to use your boat and gear in Charlotte Harbor, or you would like to come along on our boat with Capt. Bart Marx, give me a call at 941-979-6517 or e-mail captbartmarx@alphaomegacharters.com Always remember - singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{