erics wife asked how many last trips were left, we started our last grouper trip about thanksgiving! ride out north to 105’ was on glass,cold glass! bottom temp was 52, surface temp 62.the lobster we were seeking were not, pickens were slim, viz about 30’. smarted up and ran south to some #s in 70’, were the temp was 63 0n the bottom. game on, grouper were everywere, took no time to get our quota ranging from 15 to 20 lbs. huge sheeps everywere but let them go, bait, ajs, turtles and all the bottom dwellers were thick as you know what!
the last day on the water for our crew this yr. next trip schedulded for muttons in the keys fishing and diving for a week in april. had a great year with some very special people, which were all met on cf.com! I have been truly blessed and whish a very happy new year to all of You!
Great trip yesterday… We could have used some warmer weather, esp in the AM, but the trip was an A+ event!!! Thanks to Captain John, his VERY sweet ride, and a good crew, it was a great way to finish up the year!
BTW… As a side note, I think the DNR folks are REALLY trying to protect the grouper, with the BSB closure. The bass are so thick on the bottom, there is no chance for a grouper to take any bait! No way to hook up with a grouper, if the hooks are full of BSB!!!
It’s really not helping the eco system, when the BSB are starving for food, and hitting anything that can’t swim away (including a camera). With the number of BSB that are swimming in our local ocean, there won’t be any grouper or ARS in years to come. The BSB will destroy this year’s brood of young grouper and ARS, and then starve or migrate!
So… Now that we can’t really keep anything but spades or sheepshead, there won’t be much reason to head off shore (besides time with friends and a cold beer).
Even the 2 bugs per license is beyond stupid, since there is so little pressure from divers, off our coast! The folks in Florida are allowed to keep 8 per day, and they have a several hundred divers in the water, EVERY day of the year!!!
OK… Sorry about the rant. The fried lemon pepper grouper fingers last night were delicious!!!
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PS: If a fly lost it’s wings, would it be called a walk?
That is one awesome trigger fish hat. Nice fish. Well with the season all but closed it will be a good time to get the gear ready for next year, give the boat a detail cleaning and stock up on the lost tackle. Oh Yes dear the honey-do list will get some attention to.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
BTW… As a side note, I think the DNR folks are REALLY trying to protect the grouper, with the BSB closure.
Nice catch! Btw, that’s the feds, not DNR, shutting down the BSB’s. And gag grouper larvae and smaller juveniles are estuarine dependent-meaning those BSB’s are not likely feasting on them. Adult gags do however feast on BSB’s. Not saying I agree with the closure, just giving my 2 cents.
