February 28

Saltwater Offshore Reports
1

First post ever on any forum, here goes.

In 70 to 85 feet of water, water temperature 62.5, seas unusually calm. Smooth ride out and back.

Caught 11 species of fish on variety of lures and bait. Squid pattern jig and old standby Hopkins spoon in gold did well. Highlight was large endangered species - ARS - that was hard to release but it went back in the water. Triggers, BSB, porgies, white grunt, Almaco jack, scup and others. No vermillion. As has been our typical experience, BSB’s mostly keeper size in winter lots fewer dinks.

One medium sized shark of unknown species but otherwise no problems. Pretty much every mark held fish so we had fun moving around to catch a variety for the cooler.

No sign of mackerel of any type or bluefish. Hopefully will show up soon if we can get some warmer weather.

Also went out on February 25 into about 120 feet with 65 degree water. This was a bit of a disappointment. Caught some fish but caught many Atlantic Sharpnose sharks and were cut off by more. Unfortunately, I did not know the species so treated as usual - release if you don’t know what it is. Next time, will keep a bigger one since they are easy to distinguish and reportedly good to eat if quickly bled and gutted.

Our 5th trip of the year, hope to go again Thursday if forecast holds.

2

Coosaw ,
Good first post. Thanks for sharing. Half the fun out there is hunting the new numbers and seeing what’s there. Looks like you’ve found them.

Capt. R. Killin 21 Contender "Killin Time"
3

You were about 30ft of depth from really good fishing. 150ish is good this time of year. Learn your fish and it will not only save you from a ticket but allow you to keep better fish. A buddy threw back a bunch of big muttons and silk snapper on an over night trip thinking they were reds. Ive seen people throw back rudder fish thinking they were baby jacks. After a few miles out you have to have a hms permit for keeping sharpnose sharks. Its 25 dollars and is worth having incase you need it. Sharp nose school so if they are thick haul ass because they will follow you over from structure to structure in some spots.

4

Congrats on the catching. There’s also a relatively new rule on a descending device that must be onboard.

5

Thanks for the comment. I will get the HMS license.

6

I have a descending device but have yet to master its use. It takes quite a bit of weight to work properly but it does seem to work.