Grouper season is finally back…
…almost. Red, black and scamp are finally fair game which is great news to all local fisherman itching to get out and take advantage of this unseasonably warm weather. As fantastic as March was, it was really difficult to have to set free the numerous keeper size grouper caught on all of our fishing trips. With the water temps climbing rapidly, I expect a lot more of the bigger “Fire Truck” Reds to return earlier than they normally do along with Kings and Cobia. The last 2 fishing charters we ran the end of March gave up 6 smoker kings, a nice bonus to the fish box. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until July 1 to keep gags.
Recreational diving remains strong with top to bottom visibility on most trips and the rain staying away. Combo that with water temps in the mid 70′s as of this post – how can you stay home?!? We can supply any gear or tanks you may need, so come out now and enjoy the Gulf while it’s clear and temperate.
On the spearfishing side, April is notorious as the slowest month of the year for Hogfish. About the only thing I can come up with is the spawning stragglers are playing catch up before June when the spawning cycle ends. I looked at April trips from the last 2 years and they were very similar with low numbers of big hogfish; however, we did o.k. with mangrove snapper and red grouper. All in all, the shooting may not be great in April, but the diving is fantastic. And on this boat our spearfishing dive goal is always the same, you get in the water to enjoy a dive. If there happens to be something nice to shoot for dinner, it’s just a bonus……….it just so happens that our divers eat very, very, well!
