Red hot Grouper fishing with the Ricketts

In my head, he is Tony the 'web guy', in my heart, he is the guy that changed my business...for the better. The fishing, the fun and the friendliness have always been a part of Jawbreaker fishing charters, but the marketing, I must admit, was something I had yet to learn. Thanks to Tony Ricketts, of Ricketts Web Design, we took it to another level, together.

On Tuesday's fishing charter we had the pleasure of hosting Tony, his wife Angela and Father-in-law Dave, for some offshore fishing fun. Tony was really seeking some of those toothy critters like Kingfish, Barracuda and Sharks, so we put in some time on the reefs and wrecks that we normally fish for these types of fish. Right off the bat we had several take-downs that only resulted in 1 Barracuda going aerial and shaking the hook free, and a few other fish that we did not get to meet. The toothy-critter bite has been on the slow-down with rising water temps.

The Grouper and Snapper bite was much more productive, especially in the 45 foot depth. Baits were literally get inhaled on their way down to the bottom. Both live Pinfish and Threadfin, as well as frozen squid and sardines were getting the job done. Everyone put a nice Red Grouper in the box along with some of the biggest Grey Snapper we have seen all year, oh, don't forget the catch-and-release action on the endangered Gag Grouper. Check out my 'web guy', Tony Ricketts, with a solid keeper-size Gag Grouper....tight work!

Gag Grouper will be back on the menu September 15 thru November 15, 2011. Although Tony and crew were not really in it for the fresh fillets, it sure would be nice to harvest at least 1 or 2 Gags as they seem to be large in numbers, releasing them does not guarantee their survival....and at some point, overpopulation?...I'm just saying. Anyway, the Red Grouper was delightful, thanks Tony! You and the Mrs. are welcome to visit us in St.Pete anytime, I'll cook your catch for you next time...until then, Happy fishing to Ya! Capt.Dan