Just figured I would let you guys know how it was down here on the Gulf Side…
Had a break in the weather to squeeze in a quick trip. Got the pinfish out the trap, got some cigars and squid, took the baitcaster (yes, baitcaster) and Diawa for blue runners, and ran.
Got outside the jetties and the world was a different place… crystal clear water everywhere. Got to spot one not 5 minutes from the jetties and Gator (captain) passes over some nice groupings on the bottom in 60ft of water… too bad, I spotted birds and Spanish, and small kings… grabbed the Diawa Tierra 3000 on 7’6" Clarus fast action loaded with 20-lb braid/20-lb fluoro leader, and a yellow fluke… splash, right in the edge of the action. Two fast whips and FISH ON!!! I stand there watching the spool turn, turn, turn… again, “To every season… turn, turn, turn.” Finally, some catchup time… I reeled like a mad man as the fish needed a break to breathe and was turned toward the boat. Thinking I got a small king, I work it easy, but quickly because of the leader. Then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, all the way to Mexico once more. Thought I was gonna need a passport for the fish recovery. Then he finally tires and I’m making big ground on him. Right undder the boat I spot him 30-ft down… it’s a Bonita. Gaff him and sling him in the boat and there he be… an 8-10lb Bonita landed on a Bass Assasin fluke and small gear. Easily, one of the most fun fishing battles I have ever been in.
Moved on to different structure on some good #'s and sheesh!!! The blaming fish finder lights up like a Christmas tree!!! Wish Phin could’ve been there to see it… from bottom to top fish everywhere. Kings on top busting bait… we drop some pinfish and BAMMM!!! Hug, huge Snapper on. Worked him for about 5 minutes and then get him caught up in the marker rope… and then nothing. I watch as a 20+ pound Snapper descends back to the deep… caught another snap there that was about 12-lbs, multiple