SUBJECT: SW FL-Bonita Beach: Gag & red grouper

Submitted by fishbuster (69.136.16.112) from FLORIDA on

Monday, 11/26, I fished a catch-and-release trip in Estero Bay in potholes between Wiggins Pass and Barefoot Beach with Dan Nimmer and his teenaged son, John. We released four keeper-sized sheepshead to 15 inches, a 17 inch redfish, and keeper-sized mangrove snapper, all caught with shrimp.

My next scheduled trip was for Wednesday, but with one angler coming from California, that one got scrapped due to the wildfires out there. Fortunately, the only problem for our client was a delay in travel plans. Others were not as fortunate, and our hearts to out to those who have dealt with this recent disaster.

Thursday’s client was dealt a problem of lesser intensity when he injured a foot in an accident but it still caused him to cancel his fishing plans. So it was Friday before I was out on the water again. It turned out to be a day worth waiting for. I fished with Dr. Leon Mead and his sons, Spencer and Alexander, about 38 miles west of New Pass. Leon caught two keeper red grouper, one 21 inches and the other a real beauty at 29 inches and 14 pounds--That one was tons of fun to reel in on 12 pound test! Alexander caught a nice keeper gag grouper at 24 inches, Spencer caught a keeper mangrove snapper and the group also caught three keeper yellowtail snapper. We released porgies, triggerfish and lots of red grouper shorts to 18 inches.

Saturday, fishing in 38 feet out of New Pass with Leon Dargis and Bob Rose, we caught four pretty nice lane snapper all around 13 inches, two 12 inch mangrove snapper, porgies and triggerfish. We released red and gag grouper shorts and small yellowtail snapper.