Big Fish, Big Surf

The long awaited opening of Red Snapper season for 2015 came Saturday morning with a navy of recreational anglers ready to go catch the first of many days worth of the hard-pulling, tasty critters.

The morning started calm and pretty and I did my traditional "crack of dawn" run with my son and some friends to put a quick limit of the first fish over the rail before running my charters for the day. The reds bit hot and we were back in on the beach catching live bait for my charters in 45 minutes. I picked up my first trip at 7:30 for these folks second annual opening day trip.

Once again we had a great box that included some fine bonus fish. The breeze was picking up through the morning and by the time for my afternoon trip it was pretty darn bumpy. My folks were sports and we had to fish hard but they were rewarded some really fine snappers to fill our limit.

Unfortunately the surf, which got REALLY big Sunday has been too big ever since to safely get the boats off the beach. I have had to cancel the last 4 days trips and may have to again tomorrow. Oh well, the Snappers will just bite that much better when we can get back out after 'em.

Prior to the opening of Red Snapper season my folks were coming in with some great catches. The Kings were still doing their thing and the big Amberjacks have stayed up in close longer than most years although getting a big one up through the sharks is getting more and more difficult. Still plenty of Vermillion snappers around and the bonus fish possibilities just got better every day as the water warmed up with Mahi, Cobia and even a tuna making appearances on the bragging board.

As always, the proof is in the pictures!

The first limit of Red Snapper for 2015.. nothing big but they all tasted great!

The first charter for Snapper season along with bonus Lane and Black snappers, a scamp and some fine Kings.

The afternoon trip on opening day with some really nice size fish. Yep, as always, Mom caught the biggest ones.

Family fun with Kings, Mahi and Vermillion snapper.

A limit of Kings we kept, they released a bunch of big red snapper as well.

This couple had a King along with some Big Vermillions and Pinks.

Kings, Snappers and 2 Big AJ's that lost the fight, there were quite a few that won this day!

One of those perfect 1/2 day trips where it all comes together. Limit Kings, Mahi, Tuna, and Cobia! Big Amberjack and Snapper. Every where we stopped something fine bit.

Another fantastic 4 hr. trip. These folks had blast catching a limit of Amberjacks.

Fishing family fun on a seafood platter catch with more Kings, snappers and a Big AJ.

The Red Snappers will be the star attraction on every ones fish boards for the next 5 weeks. I'm sure we will have some more bonus fish as well to help fill the box and make the pictures even more colorfull as soon as this surf lays down.