GO FISHING is a look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left, with "Reel Animals" partner Mike Anderson.
After the cold front this week, the water temperatures cooled down a good 10-15 degrees, depending on where you were. Later in the week, the water warmed back up and the fish started to feed.
The trout bite turned back on, but the redfish are still a little slow to take the bait. If the future forecast holds true, they should turn on any day now, as there are plenty of reds in the area.
Also, the black drum are back all over the bay. The key for me to catch these fish is to use a jig and position the boat off to the side, ahead of the school. Too many times fishermen will chase a school from the rear, and this simply doesn't work because they feel the pressure of something large chasing them.
Offshore, the grouper bite remains better than we have ever seen, but you can't keep them unless you are a commercial fisherman with the proper permits and licenses. The state elected to conform to federal law, so our grouper season will open in August rather than April.
But don't fret. There are plenty of other fish to bring home. The blackfin tuna have arrived, captain Larry McGuire reports, and are being taken in 120 feet on butterfly jigs. There are also great catches of snapper — yellowtail, hog and mangrove — plus amberjack and one that is overlooked but one of my favorites, grunts. Fried up, there is nothing better.
I also have received reports that the permit have shown up south of the Bay area, so they should be here right on time.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement