Hello fellow anglers!

Dealing with all the setbacks with this virus and government closures, it has been very slow for Alpha & Omega Charters. We still have two boats available for fishing charters. We have the 22-2 Aquasport center console for close-to-shore and inshore trips. We also have the “REEL JOB”, our 30 foot SCARAB with twins for those deep water offshore trips for snapper and grouper, plus whatever migratory species we could raise. The reports are good from those that have been out past the one hundred foot range, finding grouper, snapper and a few sails along with some mahi mahi too. If you do any offshore fishing, it depends on the winds as to how far and how rough it gets. There are times when you can't tell if you are getting bites when it is too rough. If we can't get out very far, we have plenty of shallower spots to fish for snapper to get those fresh fish dinners harvested to go home with you. So, we are still booking trips at this time and we practice sanitization and use face coverings. I use a buff which also protects you from the sun. Our boats are equipped for up to six anglers so that fits the guidelines from the authorities. June 11^th red snapper season opens and we are booking trips for that. You can go to alphaomegacharters.com to see our rates for each boat, then you pick your date and give me a call to schedule your trip. We also have gift certificates you can purchase for someone’s birthday or just a gift for those that like to fish. “YES WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS “ so give Capt. Bart Marx a call at 941-979-6517, which is the best way to schedule your Florida fishing adventure. Or you can e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com.  Always remember, singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

In early May the Gulf was full of unusually close to shore species. June and the rains will change things out into the Gulf. The tarpon should be in full eating mode preparing to head offshore to spawn. They come to the passes to fatten up on their journey north. Along with these schools of tarpon there will be sharks of all sizes and makes. If you have the patience to stalk the tarpon, the hookup is amazing. Then they jump and if your hook is in a good place you will have a battle on your hands. Depending how long you take to get control of the fish there may be some sharks looking for a tired out fish that is easy prey. This happens frequently , I have seen a six foot tarpon eaten in two bites - yes, two. These are the times when you keep your hands and feet out of the water because they will come from under the boat and scare the woo ha out of you. If you have a fish alongside the boat retrieving the hook be careful and quick! 

Along the beaches and nearshore artificial reefs you should be able to find snook. This is the time of year they migrate from their feeding areas in the rivers and move into the harbor where the water is more salty. And the snook from the harbor migrate to the beaches and nearshore reefs. Also this time of year the white bait should be plentiful in the normal areas where they gather. It is time you can get those big threadfin herring as bait for catching snook - they really love those things. There are the days when you know the winds will be offshore in the morning and onshore in the afternoon. There should be some nice grouper and snapper out there in the one hundred foot range. Out in these waters it is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get. There should be some good yellowtail snapper in these depths too. The scarce American red snapper opens this month from June 11th through July 25th which is information at the time this article was written. Check for yourself before you head out to harvest these fish what the current regulations are. Also, I will be booking on the newest member of our fleet “REEL JOB”., a thirty foot SCARAB with twin motors that will cruise around thirty miles an hour depending on the seas. In a eight hour trip we could travel out to fortyish miles. There is a porta potty on board for the ladies comfort for the eight hours trip. If you want to come along on the REEL JOB give me a call, Please Capt Bart Marx at 941-979-6517 (quickest way to get a response) or you can e-mail me at  captbart@alphaomegacharters.com.  And always remember that singing drags and tight line make me smile. <*(((((>{