Fishing with Freedom

Last Thursday's fishing charter will be one to remember for Jay Freed, not just because of the fishing action, but because only 2 days later he 'tied the knot'...and I'm not talking about a Palomar or a Bowline. Jay and his dad, Tony, along with cousin James, soon-to-be-father-in-law Steve, and brother-in-law Bryan, were in town for a special wedding at the Salvador Dali museum in downtown St.Petersburg. How cool is that?....almost as cool as taking a fishing charter on the Jawbreaker first!

Thank goodness for the many fishing options that we have on the West Central Coast of Florida. When it comes to fishing for Grouper, we have been really whacking em' good lately and it was a surprise that the bottom bite was slow on Thursday. Actually, it was not a surprise considering that we were fishing the day after a very bright full moon and fishing a ripping tide with an opposing wind/wave direction. Conditions were a bit mind-boggling but we put in a solid effort and were rewarded with about 20 snappers and a very nice Flounder, before moving on to some sportfishing for the speedy critters.

With Gulf waters being eerily calm, and bird/bait activity in almost any direction we looked to, it did not take long to find the surface busting frenzy of one of my favorites...Bonito!!...a.k.a.Little Tunny, and these fish were very willing to take our offerings too! Slow trolling live Cigar minnows and Sardines around an active bait pod was all it took and, in little time, we were into a triple header of these feisty speed demons. Literally folks, a typical Bonito in the 5-10 pound range will rip 300 yards of 20# line off the reel in less than 5 seconds. For it's size, the Bonito is one of the fastest and hardest fighting fish in the Gulf of Mexico, and though they have no real food value, except to the Shark, this fish is a top favorite for the avid sport fishing fanatic. It just so happens that Jay Freed is an avid sport fishing fanatic and he and his crew boated at least 10 Bonitos that day...all in the 8-12 pound range. Check out the father and son fishing team with one of many(above pic).

Well, another great trip and, for Jay, a precursor to a new beginning. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Jay Freed and happy fishing to Ya! Capt.Dan