FISH FLASH: Fishing is good for those that go
Tina Harbuck
From the looks of what’s hitting the docks, fishing is pretty good right now.
On Wednesday a few of Destin’s charter boats that were fortunate enough to have trips ventured out and brought in some nice catches. Most have struggled in recent months losing trips due to the COVID-19.
Capt. Kyle Lowe of the Special K, who was doing some painting on his boat said, “I’m just trying to stay busy.” Originally Lowe had 19 trips on the books for April but only ran one. As for May he had 26 booked, but all but four have canceled.
However, there are some that have been fortunate to stay afloat so to speak and fish.
Capt. Ben O’Connor on the 100 Proof took a group from South Carolina out Wednesday and they pulled in five big amberjack along with several mingo. Captain said the fishing has been good, although the amberjack bite is a little finicky sometimes.
Capt. Taylor Bankston on Destin Inshore Charters took a couple of guys out from Massachusetts and they had a big time. The two guys caught a cobia while amberjack fishing. They also pulled in a nice redfish.
Anglers on the Stelluna with Capt. Judah Barbee had a nice rack of amberjack.
Capt. Joe Quarantro on the Silver Lining pulled in a good catch of mackerel and mingo. As a matter of fact the folks couldn’t wait to taste the mackerel and were actually eating few little strips cut right off the backbone with a little sauce on top.
In addition to the mackerel, captain said they threw back some big red snapper in the 10-pound range.
Don’t forget red snapper season starts June 1 and it will be here before you know it.
Capt. Brantley Galloway on the Full Draw and his group also had a lot of throw back red snapper as well. “We had a bunch of big ones,” one of the guys said. But they didn’t come home with an empty fish box, they brought back mingo, white snapper and amberine.
Capt. Mike Graef of the Huntress came in with a good catch of amberjack, mingo, amberine and more on Wednesday.
A few of the other boats said they have trips later this week.
The party boat New Florida Girl’s American Spirit has an eight-hour trip planned for Saturday. “We’re taking as many as we can (and still keep social distancing practices in place),” said George Grey.
The Spirit will allow 35 passengers aboard.
The Swoop and Swoop II are up and running and keeping the passenger limit to 20 each.
Other boats are ready and waiting to be booked.
So grab your mask if it makes you feel safer and come on down.
See you at the docks. If it gets crowded, I’ll be the one behind the Alabama mask with a notepad in hand.