Red Snapper- By far the most requested catch on our charters. These are fun to catch
and can get to pretty respectable sizes. Lane, and Vermillion snapper are smaller
but even better table fair. We nearly always limit on Red Snapper.
King Mackerel or Kingfish - Another popular catch. Often caught trolling these torpedoes
hit the bait at about 40 mph and often breech to 6 feet or more. Some people think
they are delicious and others, well, not so much. No matter; the are so much fun
to catch it doesn’t matter who likes them best. Oh yeah, watch out for the teeth.
Dorado, Mahi Mahi, or Dolphin Fish - Caught trolling or near floating objects these
are a fun fight. If you get one “schooly” you may get 100. There is nothing better
on the table and even a small one makes a sandwich or taco that is absolutely to
die for. If you thought the Mahi you ordered was good just you wait!
Wahoo! - The name says it all. The largest of the mackerel family these beasts are
caught trolling. Hold on and watch your line smoke off the reel. You will
probably have enough! These intelligent fish have plenty of stamina and will fight
to the point of sheer exhaustion - the fish’s exhaustion that is, but possibly the
angler as well. Take it home and grill it up. Yum. One word says it all!
Shark! Everyone wants to catch at least one. Careful when bringing them on board
as they can almost fold in half since they have no bones. Some species are very good
to eat.
We often catch Atlantic Sharp nose but the 200 + lb Hammerhead is not uncommon.
Tuna- Yellowfin and Blackfin - This nice Yellowfin - referred to in restaurants as
“Ahi” was caught on an overnight trip. Blackfin are often caught on 10-12 hour trips
and are very good seared on the grill when freshly caught. Tuna are red meat fish
with oxygenated muscle tissue so the fight is long and hard. This particular fish
took right at 2 hours to the boat!
Jack Crevelle - Food quality- None. Fight quality absolutely none better! A 30 lb
Jack Crevelle can wrestle you for better than a half hour. We don’t target these
fish but we never complain about catching them! They are so much fun it doesn’t matter
they go back!
Greater Amberjack or “AJ”. These Powerhouses will make you promise
to go back to the gym. Federal regulations are getting tight so we can’t keep them
year round anymore but just one nice one at the right time will be plenty for a family
meal. Best fresh!
Sailfish - Fast fun and aerial acrobats. These fish are on any fisherman’s
bucket list. We normally catch and release sailfish unharmed. Mounts are now made
from photos and measurements as killing these fish serves no real purpose. They are
certainly spectacular animals mostly caught on extended trips but have been rarely
caught within a few miles of shore. Caught trolling.
Ling or Cobia - At first glance when they inspect the boat you will think it is a
shark. These extremely intelligent fish require knowledge and finesse. Don’t set
the hook while they are facing you as
they will likely spit it out. Once hooked, be prepared. They are strong and have
stamina to back it up. After you are exhausted be sure the fish is as well because
if you bring one of these aboard “green” you will have to do some serious dancing
to get out of the way! 75 lbs is not uncommon and wow are they tasty!
Grouper - Bottom fish that are caught drifting or anchored. Only one word needs to
be said about Grouper and that is Yum!
Blue Marlin- Considered the prize catch of the Gulf these elusive fish can only be
targeted on extended trips as they are deep water pelagic's. The ultimate fishing
adventure is to hunt these trophies. Again we practice catch and release.
Sheepshead - Your mom ever tell you that you are what you eat? Well these guys are
named
after there Sheep like teeth dine on mostly shrimp and shellfish. Frequently caught
on Texas water trips Sheepshead taste like lobster dipped in butter!!
Triggerfish- Many fishermen (not us) considered these fish as a nuisance. Now people
realize just how wonderful to eat they are and strict limits
Are in place in both state and federal waters. Remember when fajitas were considered
a by product of a side of beef? Same deal here.
Bonito - Mostly caught while trolling for other species, these fish are actually
part of the Tuna family. While most people consider them as inedible they put up
one heck of a fight (That is why we fish right?) and make spectacular bait for big
Snapper and Grouper!
