DAY OF DAYS

ABOUT THE TRIP

Some days it just goes right.  As we look forward to American Red Snapper season for 2020, I cannot help but remember opening day of last year’s season.  We had a full complement of six experienced boaters on the charter and we were looking forward to a quick start to a successful trip.  The wind was down so we were able to hustle out to our spot about 35 miles offshore where the water was, as usual, a color of blue that just cannot be found onshore.

As a finale to a quick refresher on the use of conventional fishing gear, I dropped the first bait while discussing the “90 second rule” that is so important on the Niche Too (more on the 90 second rule later).  And got a hit.  I handed the rod to Doc who immediately, well eventually, reeled in a 20-inch American Red Snapper.  It was the kind of thing that makes a charter captain smile; right location, irresistible bait, hungry fish of the target species and a happy angler.  And it went on from there with more and bigger fish being caught the rest of that morning.

Eventually, we headed home.  Along the way we noted a curious disturbance in the water about a half of a mile from the boat which we investigated.  As it turned out, what appeared to be a suitcase floating on the surface was one of three whale sharks that were in the area skimming lunch from the surface of the water.  What a treat.  We watched them for 20 minutes or so as they went around and under our boat.  To top it off, caught the cobia that was escorting them.

LESSONS LEARNED

Even on days when it seems like nothing can go wrong, it is important to keep basic fishing techniques in mind.  On that day, we found ourselves in the middle of a hungry school of fish, but we still had to follow the often proven 90 second rule.  Simply stated, the rule requires that, if you haven’t seen your bait in 90 seconds, reel up because your bait is probably gone.  We use relatively heavy gear when fishing offshore, and baits are often stolen without the angler’s knowledge.  All too often prime fishing time is wasted with a fisherman fishing on credit (that is with an empty hook).  We lost a lot of bait that day, but by checking our baits every now and then, we were able to keep attractive baits in the target zone for much of the day.

ON THE HORIZON

The authorities have yet to announce the Gulf American Red Snapper season for 2020.  But there is no doubt that whatever time frame they give us, we will be there making great memories for those who care to venture well offshore.