Hello fellow anglers, April 2021 can you believe it we survived 2020 it is in the history books. And a third of the way through 2021 I might add. Enough nonsense lets talk about fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico. The waters have warmed up and the northern migration of bait and predictors is in full mode. The end of the king mackerel migration should be close. There may be a few around even some Spanish. This month the snappers should be on the nearshore natural reefs. The red grouper should start there migration to shallower waters. Also the porgy bite should be good as well on the hard bottom. So When you go out for these different bottom species bring a extra rod to setup for king mackerel. This is how it goes, while you are bottom fishing for the snapper and grouper if you anchor up this is a great time to also fish for king mackerel. Some where find a place to put an extra rod so it is out of the way of you bottom fishing. T-tops have the side rod holders that are set up for this type of fishing. You stick one out on the side or even two to target the kings. Some like to put it up high in the rocket launcher rod holders. Or just in a rod holder in the back of the boat out of the way. You should have some wire the kings have sharp teeth and a 3/0 or 4/0 hook and a bobber about six feet from the bobber. You want to keep it about ten yard back behind the boat. So as you are catching the bottom fish they are purging there stomach to get rid of the hook and creating an under water chum slick that will attract the kings. Leave the drag a little on the loose side so the line doesn’t pull the hook out of the fishes mouth or break the line. Kings are worth the time they are good table fare, I like to steak them and marinate the meat in teriyaki. And throw it on the grill it taste like more. There should be plenty of mangrove snapper, lane snapper and porgies that are all good eating in these same areas. There may even be a keeper size red grouper too. With the bait migrating the should be some sharks following close by too. If you target these guys you really do need some wire to save your line from getting cut. Keep close attention to the shark regulations I usually only harvest a blacktip less than four feet. So if you would like to go with Capt. Bart Marx on his boat you can call 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com I also do training trips for those that have moved to the area and need a jump start. This helps you learn where to take your boat and how to fish these areas. And also how to rig your rods for this area. It also helps shorten your learning curve. With that said always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{