Fishing Regulations in the Gulf Fed Waters>
Florida Gulf of Mexico Fishing Reports from Hubbard’s Marina
"If you're
too busy to go fishing , you're just too busy! "
Capt. Wilson Hubbard –
founder- Hubbard’s Marina
Summer
Trip 2011
Fifty miles South of the Elbow in 225 feet water:
Our 39 hour Hubbard's Marina, Florida Fisherman, trip this weekend
was different. Instead of heading North West to the Florida Middle
Grounds, we pulled out of John's Pass and immediately headed South West.
Hopefully we could get away from the now, thanks for nothing NOAA, out
of season American red snapper. We were looking for mutton, vermillion,
yellow tail snapper, as well as the battling amber jack. We were ready
for a fight.
In preparation for the great battles that were sure to follow, many
regulars, instead of buying pin fish, catch these scrappy little devils
either in traps, or on hook and line. Master long time experts, such as
Dave, prefers traps, Mutton catcher, jack pot winner, Craig Scott uses
hook & line. Boy did those AJ's ever put a good old Southern hurting on
Dave. No worry! Dave knows how to relax.
We had a wonderful trip out. The weather was picture perfect. The roar
of those two big old 1,150 HP Caterpillar diesels was pure music to our
ears. And, as if that was not enough, our on board chef, Miss Tammy
Koota, stuffed us with the best 1/3 pound cheese burgers in the entire
universe. Gosh! What a life, and we even get to go fishing.
Speaking of fishing, take a look at that fish finder; talk about a
classic ledge filled with fish. Problem was it was ever so difficult to
get our offering, cut Spanish sardines, past those hungry, per
NOAA...near extinct, American red snapper. looks like Lady Jane forgot
to tell them they were in such bad shape. We were fifty miles South of
the Elbow, and still, as on the Middle Grounds way to the North, the ARS
were everywhere. We were fishing from 180 to 225 feet of water, too deep
for mangrove snapper, but perfect for mutton, vermilion, and yellow tail
snapper; not to mention the fighting machine known simply as amber jack
(AJ). Want a battle of a life time? Try this monster! Are you man, or
woman enough? Mister AJ says he can beat you. Mister Richard Dawson,
Carol Kisner, & Mary Grasso decided if Dave could do it, so could they.
Those fighting machines gave them their all, but, man power, as well as
women power, won out in the long run. Good going guys & gals! You are
credits to our sport. Grilled amber jack is becoming a Southern
tradition. A tradition earned through battling this monster of the deep.
The vermillion snapper were not only plentiful, but big.They were
running as large as mangrove snapper, and were there for the taking. It
was never a question if they could be caught, but how many do you want?
Vermilion snapper, sometimes called B Liners, are extremely good eating.
They, like amber jack, are deep water fish. Next week we will, once
again, be fishing the Florida Middle Grounds. We will not catch, as we
did this time, over a dozen muttons; however, we will catch both
vermillion & mangrove snapper. Next weekend can't come soon enough!
Bill Grasso & Craig Scott both caught very impressive muttons. Good
going guys! Thanks Captain Hubbard for constantly finding the fish for
us.
We also caught many yellow tail snapper. We do not see very many yellow
tail, or mutton snapper on the Middle Grounds. Contrary to what we are
constantly being told, the Gulf of Mexico is loaded with fish. If we go
South we see muttons & yellow tail; North, towards the Middle Grounds,
we see mangrove snapper, gag grouper, amber jacks, and tons of American
red snapper. We who fish on the water, not from behind the desk, know
what is actually our there. We know what is in 225 feet of water to the
South, as well as 100 miles to the North. How much do you know, NOAA?
Bob H
½ Day
Trips
The ½ day trips
have been catching delicious Grey Snapper, as well as a mixed bag of
porgies and black sea bass.
10
Hour / All Day trips
Our all day
trips have been taking advantage of the Grouper population moving a
little closer to shore with the annual drop in water temperature
during this time of season. Nice catches of Gag and Red Grouper, as
well as Mangrove snapper have been making their way to the fillet
tables. Anglers are also catching Grey Snapper and a mixture of
other species on these trips.
12 Hour / Extended trips
Our 12hr
extended trips have been coming home with nice catches of Gag
Grouper, Red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Grey Snapper, and Amberjack.
Lane Snapper and a few Yellowtail snapper have also been caught.
34
Hour / Overnight Middle Grounds Trip
Our 34 hour overnight
trips have been coming home with impressive catches of Big Gag
Grouper, Big Red Grouper, Big Amberjack, Mangrove Snapper, Kingfish, Blackfin Tuna, Scamp Grouper, Lane Snapper, Vermillion Snapper,
Shark, and much more.
The Hub
Our Private charter boat has been coming home with nice catches of
Gag Grouper, red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Grey Snapper, Shark,
Lane Snapper, Triggerfish, and more!
To learn
more about the wide variety of species commonly
caught aboard our boats.
Visit our Fish ID page.
