A break from the tarpon grind and Roy and Dan were my first clients to tackle the opening season gags. Well, they sure didn't disappoint and the team did great. We used live pin fish and sent them down on bottom rigs to turn the grouper . The water is exceptionally clear, so I backed off my leader size and it made a difference. On the way home after a fine limit of grouper, I made a stop at an area I've been seeing permit and the guys said go for it captain; and let me catch my first permit. It was a beauty at 12lbs and you can see the pictures on my Crystal River Fishing Facebook page. A great day and I thank you both....Capt. Dan
The gulf was pretty bumpy today with a very stiff wind out of the SW and I was worried if anything was going to happen. Bob was with me once again and we began the day on the inside looking for tarpon. We saw a couple fish here and there, but nothing to really target. I made a run to a shallow ledge a couple miles offshore to get some action and we caught another nice cobia and some gags to bend the rod for us. The seas were SLOWLY improving and I made another stop for a tarpon. Well, I shut down and three fish rolled immediately and in no time Bob was hooked up. He did a tremendous job fighting the fish and congratulations on such a large one as well... Capt. Dan
A good day with Bob from Pennsylvania on board and we always have fun. We covered lots of ground from chasing some tarpon down South, to rock pile fishing offshore. We had some shots at some rolling tarpon this morning, but they were not in a feeding mood for us. So, we made a run offshore to some rock piles and had some good action on grouper and cobia. Also, we had an offshore snook hooked up for a bit as well and it was a hefty one before it cut us off. Grouper season opens Saturday and it looks like it should be pretty good with all the fish around right now. I thank you Bob and I'll see you tomorrow... Capt. Dan
A day to remember with my long time client Mishel on board. Her and I had a blast today and we saw some really exciting fishing. We made a couple stops this morning to grab some live baits and we then ran offshore to bend the rod. I set up and we immediately hook up on a cobia who greeted us right under the boat. As we're fighting this cobia, we see a huge offshore snook come below him as I quickly rig up and actually hook that fish. Unfortunately though, my live pinfish double hooked itself and he escaped to be caught next time. We release the cobia, send down the next bait and hook up on a hefty gag grouper in the 14lb range. As the grouper comes up, he gets eaten by a huge jewfish well over 300lbs and the battle is on. We play the tug of war game and he eventually spits out the grouper and we bring him boat side for a picture. The grouper was beaten up pretty bad and we released him on his way. Now, moments later as the grouper is unfortunately drifting belly up down tide from us; a massive bull shark comes and eats the grouper in one bite - it must have been over 8ft long. A wild string of events for us and we sure will remember this day for a long time... Capt. Dan