July 2024 Fishing Report
Hello fellow anglers. Summer in S.W. Florida and things are hot all ready. And going offshore it may be a little cooler if there is a light breeze. On a good day offshore in the morning and inshore in the afternoon. Following seas both ways, but it may get a little steamy while the wind decides to change directions. Running out past the 100 ft. depth you can find those red grouper, some of y'all may all ready have some numbers where you have caught reds before. And there are those that don't have numbers. For those that don't have numbers look at your charts and find some areas that have hard bottom. Or look at your bottom machine while you are running and mark some of those areas. Then go back and rig your pole with a fish finder rig with a leader about 6 or 7 feet long, and 3 oz. of weight to start with. And check the wind and current so you drift across your mark. Also be ready to mark the spot when 2 of you get hooked at the same time. Then go back and anchor on that spot and fish it for a little wile and then move on. By doing this you will find some new spots this way. So the more wind there is the more weight you need to add. If you would like to try tying a chicken rig. Some guys like this rig because you can use smaller line for your weight . This is good for when you get snagged on the bottom it is easier to snap the line and you do not loose the whole rig. The weights that are shaped like a rain drop with an eye on one end work well for this method. Doing this can produce some nice reds for the dinner table. You may also find some areas that hold snapper or vermilion snapper. In the sixty foot range keep an eye open for some permit on the artificial reefs that have some good relief. They like crustations to eat shrimp or crabs. I usually keep a pack of D.O.A. shrimp available and tie one on and cast it to them. Triple tail like to hang around any thing floating and you may cast to them also. Okay lets go inshore , the snook should still be on the move close to the schools of bait . They will follow glass minnows or green backs to feed on. The red fish will be hiding under the mangroves in the shade looking for crabs and small fish on the roots of the trees. Reds will eat cut bait soaked on the bottom, or they also will eat blue crabs or I should say a half of one. and if you like to battle with the big boys get out your big Penn reels and look for those guys in the grey suits with a mouth full of teeth. They like to play tug a war and will give you a work out. So do your self a favor and get off the couch and go fishing so you can have some fresh fish for dinner. You can go to my web site and find fishing reports from the past. And learn more about Capt. Bart Marx or you may e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com or give me a call on my cell phone 941-979-6517 and always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*((((((>{