10/4 Bottom Fishing

Stopped at the channel markers for some live bait on the way out. Dropped lines in 110’ by 8AM. Big AJ’s were hanging around the boat all day. Brought up a bunch of b-liners, some of which were grabbed by an AJ and taken for a ride. Landed 2 of the AJ’s both around 30 lbs and had a couple more break off. I now realize why they call these reef donkeys.

Also caught a couple gags but both were undersized at about 19"-20" so they were sent back.

Had one or two more big bites that got caught up in the structure - probably more grouper.

Next time I’m heading out deeper (probably 140-200’)to some good live bottom to hopefully find the real fish.

2002 Key West 2220 CC
2002 Mercury 200 EFI Saltwater

Don’t waste fuel going deeper if you think that is what it takes to get to the “real fish” Huge grouper are thick in 75-100 foot on good live bottom. Seen it with my own eyes Sat 10/4 diving. Also numerous big ARS. We brought 6 big gags and 2 ARS to the surface to prove it.

“Always check six”
Pioneer 197 Sportfish
150 Yamaha 4 Stroke