The first weekend of Red snapper Season 2017 started out pretty rough regarding weather, and it ended worse on the second weekend with a nor'easter completely closing off the ocean due to high seas. We were able to run the first 3 days Nov 3, 4, 5 but Sunday (5th) was very rough, causing us to cancel all afternoon trips. Of the trips we did run, both boats limited out each trip with some red snapper nearing 20lbs.
We are hoping for a reschedule since the second weekend was unfishable, but there's nothing confirmed yet. We will keep you posted.
Contrary to popular belief, there are other things to fish for than red snapper in our offshore waters; and these fish are just as good on the table! As the temps begin to cool, so do our water temps. The cooler water temps do a few things; first, it brings in our wahoo and blackfin tuna migration. Second, the cooler water begins to send the pelagics like kingfish, sharks, amberjack, barracuda, sailfish, etc. further offshore and to the South for warmer waters. As these guys depart our nearshore waters, the bottom fishing really fires up.
This time of year we are focusing on what we call grocery-getter trips, such as vermilion snapper, black sea bass, triggerfish, almaco jacks, and red porgy. The best trip for this is either a 10hr or 12hr day. This also gives you the best possibility to catch a nice grouper. On these trips, we regularly see gag grouper, scamp, and an occasional red grouper. There are only about 6 weeks left of grouper season (ends Dec 31). Taking this into consideration, this time of year is tough to get a nice day offshore due to the changing season; so you need to go when the weather is nice. This weekend seems to be that time. Get on the books and put us to work cleaning your dinner!
One more reminder, the recreational harvest of greater amberjack is currently closed.
Captain Chad Starling
904.502.7408
TeamBuckRogers.com
