July is the month of independence and I am grateful for those of you that served to keep freedom free. Thank You! Because of those that served, we can go fishing when and where we would like to. Going offshore, you need to focus on what species you are going to target. There are many choices like amberjack, baracuda, king mackerel, bonita, cobia, goliath, and permit. Most of these you could find on most any artificial reef in the Gulf. Then there are the natural reefs with ledges, swiss cheese bottom. that could be holding red grouper, yellow tail snapper, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, trigger fish, and maybe a hog fish. If you are going to harvest any of these species, pick up the new regulations so you know what the latest and greatest regulations are. Seems that they print them every six months so they can change. If you go into Federal waters, there are some different regulations that may be to your advantage. State waters go out to nine miles on the Gulf coast. I encourage anglers to fish with the lightest tackle that you dare use. It is more exciting and you get more bites on light tackle. Lets move inshore -  there should be tarpon up in the harbor in the deeper spots in the center of the harbor. Snook should be all along the edges, points and on the beach as they travel to salty waters to spawn. Reds and trout on the flats of grass and sand holes where there is food to consume. You may find cobia on the flats following manatees and stingrays to snag baits that are trying to flee the shadows of the rays and manatees. Shark fishing should be in full swing, if you choose to harvest one of these, bonnet head and black tip are the two that are the best for table fare. If I am going to harvest one, I choose one that is not to big, three to four feet. I tail rope them and tie them to a cleat and gut them hanging in the water. If you just throw them into the box with ice before you gut them they, urinate through there skin and it ruins the meat. Again, I want to remind you - check the regulations as to what you can harvest and what size. If you would like to come along with Capt. Bart Marx or I can go on your boat, call 941-979-6517 or e-mail captbart@alphaomegacharters.com Always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{