Left the marina at 6:30. Threw a cast net over some large white bait (4-5"), and pulled two pinfish traps loaded with small and large pins.
With Gag season closed, and Red Grouper season ending early this year, we wanted to go deep and target Red Grouper. But the swells and waves were confused and made traveling rough, so we didn't make it to the deeper spots we wanted.
We ended up stopping in 65' depth at a spot we call the 'Whatsit'...high profile structure that must be some kind of wreck.
Lots of bait jumping, and we could see ballyhoo in the chum slick, along with cudas.
Amberjack would follow our bait or other fish up to the surface.
We landed multiple AJs, and some large gag grouper (between 27 and 29 inches), which all would have been legal if it were in season. No keeper red grouper. Henri got a Yellowtail Snapper, and we all landed some hefty Mangrove Snapper, which went home for supper.
Matt did land his first Goliath grouper, albeit on the small size for them (around 40-48 inches).
Henri got his personal best Mangrove Snapper (21.5") and his personal best Gag Grouper (31.5").
Todd and Matt each got a 4' shark...species unclear. We didn't boat them, but released them boat-side.
Lots of strong runs that ended with break-offs, or bite-offs.
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