Buccaneers were privateers who attacked Spanish shipping in the Caribbean sea during the late 17th Century. The term buccaneer is now generally used as a synonym for pirate. Originally, buccaneer is
derived from the French word "boucanier", which loosely translates as "someone who smokes meat" and which in turn comes from the native American "bukan". The Caribbean Arawak used this word,
"bukan" or "buccan" to describe a sort of grill which they smoked meat on, preferably Manatee. It was a wooden framed device was also used by French hunters to smoke meat like feral (wild) cattle and
pigs- they were called "boucanier".
In the first quarter of the 1600s, some Frenchmen who were driven away from the island of Hispaniola fled to nearby Tortuga. The Spaniards tried to drive them out of Tortuga, but the buccaneers were
joined by many other French, Dutch and English and turned to piracy against Spanish shipping, generally using small craft to attack galleons (sailing ships) in the Caribbean. They would often attack at
night, and climb aboard before the alarm could be raised. Buccaneers were expert marksmen and would quickly kill the helmsman and any officers aboard. Buccaneers' reputation as cruel pirates grew
until most victims would surrender, hoping they would not be killed. Finally they became so strong that they even sailed to the mainland of Spanish America and attacked cities.
English settlers occupying Jamaica began to spread the name buccaneers and associated it with the meaning of pirates. Viewed from London, buccaneering was a low-budget way to wage war on
England's rival, Spain. So, the English crown empowered buccaneers with letters of marque, legalizing their operations in return for a share of their profits. The buccaneers were invited by Jamaica's
Governor Thomas Modyford to base ships at Port Royal, located on Palisadoes on the south of Jamaca. The buccaneers robbed Spanish shipping and colonies, and returned to Port Royal with their
plunder, making the city the most prosperous in the Caribbean. There were even English navy officers sent to lead the buccaneers, such as Christopher Myngs. Their activities went on irrespective of
whether England happened to be at war with Spain or France.
Although we don't conduct privateering operations, we do like taking small craft and harassing scaley marine life and local waterways (so to speak). Puns and joking aside, we are strong supporters of
conservation and maritime courtesy. We hope you enjoy our website and may have learned something in the process. Mike
derived from the French word "boucanier", which loosely translates as "someone who smokes meat" and which in turn comes from the native American "bukan". The Caribbean Arawak used this word,
"bukan" or "buccan" to describe a sort of grill which they smoked meat on, preferably Manatee. It was a wooden framed device was also used by French hunters to smoke meat like feral (wild) cattle and
pigs- they were called "boucanier".
In the first quarter of the 1600s, some Frenchmen who were driven away from the island of Hispaniola fled to nearby Tortuga. The Spaniards tried to drive them out of Tortuga, but the buccaneers were
joined by many other French, Dutch and English and turned to piracy against Spanish shipping, generally using small craft to attack galleons (sailing ships) in the Caribbean. They would often attack at
night, and climb aboard before the alarm could be raised. Buccaneers were expert marksmen and would quickly kill the helmsman and any officers aboard. Buccaneers' reputation as cruel pirates grew
until most victims would surrender, hoping they would not be killed. Finally they became so strong that they even sailed to the mainland of Spanish America and attacked cities.
English settlers occupying Jamaica began to spread the name buccaneers and associated it with the meaning of pirates. Viewed from London, buccaneering was a low-budget way to wage war on
England's rival, Spain. So, the English crown empowered buccaneers with letters of marque, legalizing their operations in return for a share of their profits. The buccaneers were invited by Jamaica's
Governor Thomas Modyford to base ships at Port Royal, located on Palisadoes on the south of Jamaca. The buccaneers robbed Spanish shipping and colonies, and returned to Port Royal with their
plunder, making the city the most prosperous in the Caribbean. There were even English navy officers sent to lead the buccaneers, such as Christopher Myngs. Their activities went on irrespective of
whether England happened to be at war with Spain or France.
Although we don't conduct privateering operations, we do like taking small craft and harassing scaley marine life and local waterways (so to speak). Puns and joking aside, we are strong supporters of
conservation and maritime courtesy. We hope you enjoy our website and may have learned something in the process. Mike
| Questions, comments, or just want to send us an email?? mike@badonskybuccaneers.com, or teresa@badonskybuccaneers.com. |
You can also view this map in a new "tab" in full screen
for easier viewing and exploring the area- by clicking on
the "box" over the upper right hand corner of the map.
This map not only includes boat launches, but also good
kayak / canoe parks, beach access points, some bait
and tackle shops, and a few stores which sell marine
grade fuels.
This is an interactive map, and a work in progress. Please contact
me at mike@badonskybuccaneers.com with any comments, or
concerning any discrepancies.
for easier viewing and exploring the area- by clicking on
the "box" over the upper right hand corner of the map.
This map not only includes boat launches, but also good
kayak / canoe parks, beach access points, some bait
and tackle shops, and a few stores which sell marine
grade fuels.
This is an interactive map, and a work in progress. Please contact
me at mike@badonskybuccaneers.com with any comments, or
concerning any discrepancies.
View Badonsky Buccaneers in a larger map
WATCH US ON
| Please note! Some of our features may not be viewable on portable platforms (IPad, notebooks, etc) |
| NOTICE! This is a reminder about the change to the "No Wake" zones in the Orange Beach, AL, area. In June of 2015, the area in Cotton Bayou near Zekes Marina was changed to No Wake / Idle Speed, then almost a year later, the last stretch of waterway from Jubilee Landing to the Florida state line on Old River has been included as a No Wake / Idle Speed Zone. Now, as of this spring, 2019, Terry Cove will be included in the NO WAKE zoned area. |
| Planning a trip to our area?? Need to plan your accommodations? Then look no further. Complete your bookings right here! |
| Helpful Quick Links! |
| Covering the Alabama Gulf Coast from Ft Morgan to Perdido Key! Click on the OBAVR logo above, or go to www.obavr.com |
Welcome to the Coastal Alabama Anglers Website. Providing all kinds of useful information- it is a work in progress, so
keep coming back to see what's been added. We also share some of our video adventures here.
keep coming back to see what's been added. We also share some of our video adventures here.
 |  |
| Bait and Tackle Shop Locations There are 3 places on the island that regularly sell live bait. But be sure to call ahead, because availability might vary. These bait and tackle shops are also on our interactive map (above). Here is a listing of local tackle shops in Baldwin County. |
- J&M Tackle, 25150 Canal Rd,
Orange Beach, AL, (251)
981-5460, typically open 5AM-
5PM. Large variety of live and
frozen baits
- Lost Bay Tackle, 25405
Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange
Beach, AL, (251) 981-3811
Winter Hrs- Open 6:00AM-
6:00PM 7 days a week.
- Hooked Up Bait & Tackle, 100
E 20th Street, Gulf Shores, AL
(251) 955-5550
Open 6:00AM- 7:00PM 7 days a
week
- Sam's Stop and Shop, 27122
Canal Rd,
Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4245
5:00AM- 9:00PM - NO LIVE BAIT,
but quite an assortment of frozen
baits and lots of tackle
Orange Beach, AL, (251)
981-5460, typically open 5AM-
5PM. Large variety of live and
frozen baits
- Lost Bay Tackle, 25405
Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange
Beach, AL, (251) 981-3811
Winter Hrs- Open 6:00AM-
6:00PM 7 days a week.
- Hooked Up Bait & Tackle, 100
E 20th Street, Gulf Shores, AL
(251) 955-5550
Open 6:00AM- 7:00PM 7 days a
week
- Sam's Stop and Shop, 27122
Canal Rd,
Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4245
5:00AM- 9:00PM - NO LIVE BAIT,
but quite an assortment of frozen
baits and lots of tackle
| Keep up with New Alabama Reef Deployments this year ! |
| You can also get it on the Outdoor Alabama Website at: www.outdooralabama.com |
| The New ICW Boat Launch Facility is in the Planning Stages |
| The Alabama Marine Resources Division is constantly improving and "enriching" reef sites within the State’s reef fish jurisdiction inshore and offshore. GPS coordinates for all reef sites can be found at: https://www.outdooralabama. com/saltwater-fishing/artificial-reefs |
| Bait, Tackle, Fuel, Deli, and so much more 27122 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561 |
| Alabama Snapper Anglers Stay Within 2019 Quota |
| A Word of Caution When "Observing" Marine Mammals There seems to be some recently posted videos on social media of people attempting to interact with local dolphins in the Coastal Alabama Area. Even though there may seem to be a mutual curiosity between us and them- a word of caution. 1- They are wild animals. You may think it's a harmless interaction, but don't be confused to the fact they have the ability to hurt or attack for any unknown reasons. Even if just by mistake- They might think, for example, for some reason your finger is a minnow or piece of bait. You might inadvertently get too close to a juvenile or mate which could provoke an attack. 2- Attempting to interact only encourages them to approach vessels. This could cause repercussions when they approach vessels who don't want their interaction- like fishing boats. 3- It is illegal to interact, attempt to interact, or feed most marine mammals! Here is what NOAA says about it... Viewing marine animals in their natural habitat can be an exciting experience—watching a group of dolphins leaping across the water, seeing a sea turtle nesting on a beach, or encountering a colony of seals basking in the sun. Although it can be tempting to try to get close to these marine animals, it’s always best to view them from a safe and respectful distance for their safety—and yours. Learning how to interact with and observe ocean animals can help you make the right decisions when you encounter them by water, land, or air. Regulations and guidelines have been developed with specific recommendations and distances for viewing whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and other marine animals. These guidelines and laws can vary by state and by species, so know the rules before you visit our coastal waters. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act do not provide for permits or other authorizations to view or interact with wild marine mammals and sea turtles, except for specific listed purposes such as scientific research. We maintain as policy that interacting with wild marine life outside of permitted research should not be attempted and viewing marine mammals and sea turtles must be conducted in a manner that does not harass the animals. We do not support, condone, approve, or authorize activities that involve closely approaching, interacting, or attempting to interact with whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles in the wild. This includes attempting to swim with, pet, touch, or elicit a reaction from the animals. *Do not feed, or attempt to feed, any marine mammals. It’s harmful and illegal. *Do not swim with, ride, pet, touch, or attempt to interact with marine mammals or sea turtles in the wild. *Do not chase, encircle, or leapfrog animals with any watercraft. Do not "trap" animals between watercraft or the shore. Laws on interactions with marine life may vary from state to state, so if you are not sure, contact your local marine police or conservation and wildlife office before you get on the water. |
| Another Big Shark Caught off fo the Navarre Pier |
By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Snapper anglers enjoyed a 38-day season in 2019 after the 2018 season had to be ended after 27 days to avoid exceeding Alabama’s quota of about 1 million pounds. Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD)
officials were able to add three weekend extensions to the 2019 season to fill this year’s quota.
“This season was more typical of a south Alabama summer,” MRD Director Scott Bannon said. “We had more thunderstorms and increased wave heights on some weekends as opposed to 2018, which had near
perfect weather through June and July.
But that is something we want to have happen; we want them to stay home during the bad weather because we will still have those pounds of fish to catch later in the year.” Alabama’s 2019 quota was 1,079,513
pounds, and the final numbers show 1,050,651 pounds of fish were estimated to have been caught, leaving a little more than 28,000 pounds in the water. Bannon said the goal was to get as close to the quota as
possible without going over.
“That 28,000 pounds is less than one good weekend day of fishing in Alabama,” he said. “I don’t think we could have done any better.”
MRD officials are able to closely monitor the snapper harvest off the Alabama coast through the mandatory Red Snapper Reporting System, otherwise known as Snapper Check.
“We were able to get that close because of Snapper Check,” Bannon said. “The more people who report, the better the numbers and the better we can predict the effort for the weekend.”
“We added some additional days during amberjack season in August and then some days on Labor Day weekend. Ultimately, we added the final weekend in October to give people enough time to plan and to have
dates when people were more likely to go fishing. The 38-day season is probably more typical of what would be an average season with the weather days. I know the July average wave heights were 3 feet or
higher.” The average size of the snapper caught during the 2019 season was down slightly to 6.81 pounds, which Bannon attributed to several reasons.
“One reason was the weather,” he said. “People didn’t run as far and went to areas that are more heavily fished.
Alabama’s snapper seasons for 2018 and 2019 were operated under an exempted fishing permit (EFP) as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council worked to approve a state management system,
Amendment 50, which passed and is awaiting the Secretary of Commerce’s signature.
“I think the EFP worked well,” Bannon said. “Under Amendment 50, we will have the ability for the state to make adjustments to size, bag limits and season dates. We think our bag and size limits have worked well.
It helps keep our data similar from year to year, and we have a good handle on effort based on that. “So, we’re going to be cautious about making any changes. We want people to get
comfortable that the states are managing the snapper season effectively. I think the EFP proved we can manage it as effectively and efficiently as possible. We have been able to give anglers more days
because we’re able to account for the fish harvested during the season. The key to the success is the angler reporting the data, and that is why we have the optional reporting for greater amberjack and gray
triggerfish in the app.” Bannon took the opportunity last week to join the University of South Alabama Marine Sciences Department and Dauphin Island Sea Lab on their last red snapper
research trip for the year out of Dauphin Island.
The research trip was designed to explore several artificial reefs that Skipper Thierry, captain of the Escape, discovered during his regular charter trips this past summer. Each reef was of unknown origin. On
several reefs where a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was deployed the structures were chicken transport cages, which held a variety of fish species including an abundance of small red snapper.
“From a research perspective, you want to be able to sample a variety of sizes and ages of fish and reef structures,” Bannon said. “These were not public reefs that were placed out there. We don’t know anything
about who placed them or when they were placed. “They held a lot of younger fish, but the numbers of those fish looked good. In a management system, if all you see are older fish
that’s not always a good thing. You want to see a wide spectrum of ages. You want to see the younger fish coming into the system and aging out at the appropriate time and that we’re taking the appropriate
numbers. “That’s the advantage of a program that does hook-and-line sampling along with the ROV; you get to see what’s there. That helps add to the data. It’s not necessarily that only
the small fish were biting. If you sample the reef with only hook and line, you may only see one age group of fish. With the ROV, we know that particular reef had an abundance of small fish as well as larger fish.
Those spots were loaded up.” During the trip, several large gray triggerfish were landed, which is encouraging for Bannon.
“Triggerfish is definitely a species of concern for us,” he said. “These research trips have shown an increase in abundance. So, we feel good, in the Alabama reef zone, that they are rebuilding. That’s a good sign.
We hope that is reflected in the next stock assessment.” Dr. Bob Shipp, Professor Emeritus at USA Marine Science, has been doing this snapper research for more than two
decades. “For the last 21 years, we have been maintaining a sampling program for red snapper and triggerfish,” Shipp said. “I think it’s probably the longest time-series
available for those two species. A time-series really gives you trend information you can’t get any other way. What it has shown is that the availability and ability to catch red snapper have really improved since
2005. The average size has increased a little bit. For the full article see the OutDoor Alabama Website- https://www.outdooralabama.com/node/2772
Snapper anglers enjoyed a 38-day season in 2019 after the 2018 season had to be ended after 27 days to avoid exceeding Alabama’s quota of about 1 million pounds. Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD)
officials were able to add three weekend extensions to the 2019 season to fill this year’s quota.
“This season was more typical of a south Alabama summer,” MRD Director Scott Bannon said. “We had more thunderstorms and increased wave heights on some weekends as opposed to 2018, which had near
perfect weather through June and July.
But that is something we want to have happen; we want them to stay home during the bad weather because we will still have those pounds of fish to catch later in the year.” Alabama’s 2019 quota was 1,079,513
pounds, and the final numbers show 1,050,651 pounds of fish were estimated to have been caught, leaving a little more than 28,000 pounds in the water. Bannon said the goal was to get as close to the quota as
possible without going over.
“That 28,000 pounds is less than one good weekend day of fishing in Alabama,” he said. “I don’t think we could have done any better.”
MRD officials are able to closely monitor the snapper harvest off the Alabama coast through the mandatory Red Snapper Reporting System, otherwise known as Snapper Check.
“We were able to get that close because of Snapper Check,” Bannon said. “The more people who report, the better the numbers and the better we can predict the effort for the weekend.”
“We added some additional days during amberjack season in August and then some days on Labor Day weekend. Ultimately, we added the final weekend in October to give people enough time to plan and to have
dates when people were more likely to go fishing. The 38-day season is probably more typical of what would be an average season with the weather days. I know the July average wave heights were 3 feet or
higher.” The average size of the snapper caught during the 2019 season was down slightly to 6.81 pounds, which Bannon attributed to several reasons.
“One reason was the weather,” he said. “People didn’t run as far and went to areas that are more heavily fished.
Alabama’s snapper seasons for 2018 and 2019 were operated under an exempted fishing permit (EFP) as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council worked to approve a state management system,
Amendment 50, which passed and is awaiting the Secretary of Commerce’s signature.
“I think the EFP worked well,” Bannon said. “Under Amendment 50, we will have the ability for the state to make adjustments to size, bag limits and season dates. We think our bag and size limits have worked well.
It helps keep our data similar from year to year, and we have a good handle on effort based on that. “So, we’re going to be cautious about making any changes. We want people to get
comfortable that the states are managing the snapper season effectively. I think the EFP proved we can manage it as effectively and efficiently as possible. We have been able to give anglers more days
because we’re able to account for the fish harvested during the season. The key to the success is the angler reporting the data, and that is why we have the optional reporting for greater amberjack and gray
triggerfish in the app.” Bannon took the opportunity last week to join the University of South Alabama Marine Sciences Department and Dauphin Island Sea Lab on their last red snapper
research trip for the year out of Dauphin Island.
The research trip was designed to explore several artificial reefs that Skipper Thierry, captain of the Escape, discovered during his regular charter trips this past summer. Each reef was of unknown origin. On
several reefs where a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was deployed the structures were chicken transport cages, which held a variety of fish species including an abundance of small red snapper.
“From a research perspective, you want to be able to sample a variety of sizes and ages of fish and reef structures,” Bannon said. “These were not public reefs that were placed out there. We don’t know anything
about who placed them or when they were placed. “They held a lot of younger fish, but the numbers of those fish looked good. In a management system, if all you see are older fish
that’s not always a good thing. You want to see a wide spectrum of ages. You want to see the younger fish coming into the system and aging out at the appropriate time and that we’re taking the appropriate
numbers. “That’s the advantage of a program that does hook-and-line sampling along with the ROV; you get to see what’s there. That helps add to the data. It’s not necessarily that only
the small fish were biting. If you sample the reef with only hook and line, you may only see one age group of fish. With the ROV, we know that particular reef had an abundance of small fish as well as larger fish.
Those spots were loaded up.” During the trip, several large gray triggerfish were landed, which is encouraging for Bannon.
“Triggerfish is definitely a species of concern for us,” he said. “These research trips have shown an increase in abundance. So, we feel good, in the Alabama reef zone, that they are rebuilding. That’s a good sign.
We hope that is reflected in the next stock assessment.” Dr. Bob Shipp, Professor Emeritus at USA Marine Science, has been doing this snapper research for more than two
decades. “For the last 21 years, we have been maintaining a sampling program for red snapper and triggerfish,” Shipp said. “I think it’s probably the longest time-series
available for those two species. A time-series really gives you trend information you can’t get any other way. What it has shown is that the availability and ability to catch red snapper have really improved since
2005. The average size has increased a little bit. For the full article see the OutDoor Alabama Website- https://www.outdooralabama.com/node/2772
December 28, 2019
The anglers in Navarre, FL, are no strangers to
seeing large sharks close to shore. Makos averaging
10’ or so are caught from piers and beaches, and this
past February, 2019, a great white was hooked and
released off of the Navarre fishing pier!
Well- Saturday, Dec 28, 2019, Barbara O’Neal, of Team
True Blue, caught a 10.5’ Mako Shark off of the pier.
When the reel starting running line off, she said she
knew it was a big one- but no one was sure how big,
and it would take about 2 hours to land the est 600 lb
beast and everyone found out!
Congratulations Barbara O’Neal & Team True Blue!!
That’s some good eating!
The anglers in Navarre, FL, are no strangers to
seeing large sharks close to shore. Makos averaging
10’ or so are caught from piers and beaches, and this
past February, 2019, a great white was hooked and
released off of the Navarre fishing pier!
Well- Saturday, Dec 28, 2019, Barbara O’Neal, of Team
True Blue, caught a 10.5’ Mako Shark off of the pier.
When the reel starting running line off, she said she
knew it was a big one- but no one was sure how big,
and it would take about 2 hours to land the est 600 lb
beast and everyone found out!
Congratulations Barbara O’Neal & Team True Blue!!
That’s some good eating!
Latest news on the making of the largest boat
launch facility on the Alabama gulf coast! The
County now owns this property adjacent to the
Foley Beach Exoley Beach Express Bridge and
is proceeding with plans for the large public
boat launch thanks to state GOMESA funding.
Hopefully this project will be quick in
construction.
It appears this may be at least a 2 stage
project- with the construction of the ramps and
phase 1 parking, finger piers, picnic and car
parking to be completed first (no date given),
and the 2nd phase to provide additional
parking for both cars and vehicle/ trailers with
a secondary restroom facility and additional
picnic area.
We will share more details as they become
available.
launch facility on the Alabama gulf coast! The
County now owns this property adjacent to the
Foley Beach Exoley Beach Express Bridge and
is proceeding with plans for the large public
boat launch thanks to state GOMESA funding.
Hopefully this project will be quick in
construction.
It appears this may be at least a 2 stage
project- with the construction of the ramps and
phase 1 parking, finger piers, picnic and car
parking to be completed first (no date given),
and the 2nd phase to provide additional
parking for both cars and vehicle/ trailers with
a secondary restroom facility and additional
picnic area.
We will share more details as they become
available.
| The 36th Annual FloraBama Polar Bear Dip, January 1, 2020 |
| What's Biting- Winter 2019-2020 |
Jan 2020
Cooler water temps might slow things down a little, but there is still plenty
of quarry to find in the waters off of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Inshore- Striped Bass action tends to heat up in the rivers in the
blackwater rivers of the Baldwin / Escambia county counties, as well as
other rivers and tributaries in the Florida Panhandle. Sheepshead can be
found year around around the jetties and pilings, but not like in the winter
and spring months! You can chum them with some ground shrimp heads
or cut bait- then bait your hook with fresh pieces of cut shrimp or whole
small shrimp, fiddler crabs, or crawfish. By Marc/ April they will be in full
spawn and you'll easily be able to catch your limit. Flounder have moved
to deeper water, but the redfish should still be available. Speckle Trout
might be a little tougher to chase between colder days when they run into
the rivers looking for warmer pockets and warmer days when you can
find them on grassy flats in the bays.
Offshore- If you want to chase those flounder out, look for them around
60'-100' range on the edges of larger wrecks. You basically use the same
method of fishing for them as inshore- with a slightly larger reel size and
weight. You can use a 40-50 serise reel and a stronger inshore rod. Bull
minnows would still be the "go-to" bait for them.
The changes in the Amberjack season to the summer has some of us
frustrated over not having them Reef Donkeys to hunt in the winter
months- but you can still go out and find some nice Vermillion Snapper
and Almaco Jack on wrecks and reefs.
This is also the perfect month for targeting Wahoo and Tuna further out,
especially around the rigs! Just watch the weather and pick your window
of opportunity, and make your run- just don't push your luck too much,
especially if you're in a smaller boat. We all want to see you and your
crew back and safe.
Cooler water temps might slow things down a little, but there is still plenty
of quarry to find in the waters off of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Inshore- Striped Bass action tends to heat up in the rivers in the
blackwater rivers of the Baldwin / Escambia county counties, as well as
other rivers and tributaries in the Florida Panhandle. Sheepshead can be
found year around around the jetties and pilings, but not like in the winter
and spring months! You can chum them with some ground shrimp heads
or cut bait- then bait your hook with fresh pieces of cut shrimp or whole
small shrimp, fiddler crabs, or crawfish. By Marc/ April they will be in full
spawn and you'll easily be able to catch your limit. Flounder have moved
to deeper water, but the redfish should still be available. Speckle Trout
might be a little tougher to chase between colder days when they run into
the rivers looking for warmer pockets and warmer days when you can
find them on grassy flats in the bays.
Offshore- If you want to chase those flounder out, look for them around
60'-100' range on the edges of larger wrecks. You basically use the same
method of fishing for them as inshore- with a slightly larger reel size and
weight. You can use a 40-50 serise reel and a stronger inshore rod. Bull
minnows would still be the "go-to" bait for them.
The changes in the Amberjack season to the summer has some of us
frustrated over not having them Reef Donkeys to hunt in the winter
months- but you can still go out and find some nice Vermillion Snapper
and Almaco Jack on wrecks and reefs.
This is also the perfect month for targeting Wahoo and Tuna further out,
especially around the rigs! Just watch the weather and pick your window
of opportunity, and make your run- just don't push your luck too much,
especially if you're in a smaller boat. We all want to see you and your
crew back and safe.
