Major Weather Systems move in to disrupt our Grp run
Capt. John GiddyUp-Bunch
December 1, 2008
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Thanksgiving has passed and many guides in SW FL are truly thankful for our grouper trolling season thus far. It has been amazing. For 3 years our reefs and bottoms have been dead from one Red Tide attack after another. As a matter of fact, it is difficult to remember the last red tide. Probably 18-20 months ago. This has been great news for those who love Grouper Trolling. As Florida Sportsman Magazine has chosen me every year since 2002 to speak on this subject, I pay very close attention to every aspect. Water temps and corresponding water clarity. Lure colors. Bait school movement relative to the beach. Lunar phases. Trolling speed. Everything becomes relevant. For sure anyone can go drag lures but can you predict the moment of the slam or near moment?
Red Grouper: Until this past week, I had never scored a Red Grouper on a charter. My max limit "Nearshore" is about 8 miles. I have lost nothing outside of this "Nearshore" range. In the last few days, it has been shocking to score Keeper Red Grpr in 28 FT of water. These fish have been fighting for bright colored 111MR MirrOlures in the early AM (Orange/Pink) and the 118-119MAC series after about 10:30AM. Another great lure when the sun lights up the water column is the "Grn Holo Jumping Mullet" or SDRB600-6H. This lure (+25) has produced more diverse species than any other to incluse Flounder/Redfish/Snook/Cobia/and King Macks. The new lure that replaces the SDRB is textured and now made in the far east. It is a worth and capable replacement but buy all the old lures you can find. Trust me.
Charter again on Tue so standby. Hoping for reasonable winds. "GiddyUp"
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