Pensacola Fishing Forum / Offshore Fishing / Offshore Fishing - General Q & A

Advice on a used reel..

bullet175 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:32:53 GMT

I found a lady at my local flea market who has a 30T used reel in original box with all papers. I checked the reel out and everthing seems to be fine. I have no idea how old it is but its got just a few minor scratches here and there but no big deal. Shes asking 300 for it. I told her I wasnt sure about it..she said she would hold it for a few days.

What Im wondering is will this be enough reel for wahoo or tuna. Im about to start delving into bigger game fishing and I dont know much about this next level of fishing equipment.

Yo-Zuri Bonita

au1 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:25:22 GMT

I have heard good things about the Yo-Zuri Bonita trolling lure for wahoo. Has anyone used one recently and had good results?

fishing for mangrove snappers

04031940 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:23:16 GMT

I am an old warrior trying to get adjusted to fishing with a smaller boat in closer. Yesterday, we fished the I-10 bridge rubble and saw great younger fishermen pulling in some nice mangroves and beeliners. It appeared that they were using ultra light rigs and small live minnows. We had pinfish and squid and caught some but got outfished royally. I don't doubt that these guys were better fisherman.

I would greatly appreciate a bit of advice on how to best catch the mangroves and beeliners. I am proficient with a throw net and have a feeling I want to leave the dock at Cotton Bayou [Orange Beach], go out into the Bayou and catch the smaller minnows to fish for these particilar fish. By the way, we caught some nice little undersized scamp and gags out there, which is good news. My grouper fishing has sucked this year unless I went much further out in my previous boat.

Happy trails.

Catfish 1:bowdown

baitman

EG94 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:45:13 GMT

Does anybody know the baitmans phone number ?

Baitfish

Misn 1 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:01:17 GMT

I've only been fishing offshore a couple of times now (Cobia 23' WA w/200 Yam) out of Perdido Pass (Orange Beach). Both times out we saw several schools of baitfish of top of the water around the buoy. I am asking several questions here;

1) Anyone have any idea what they might be?

2) If so, are they good to use for bottom fishing (or trolling)?

3) Can they be caught with a cast net?

4) Is their presence at the surface a sign of pedatory fish below them and should I try to fish around or under the school?

So far, I have only used frozen cigs and squid on a couple of the wrecks. We caught some good fish but I think I'm hooked better than any of the fish we caught. I can't get it outta my mind! Any help is appeciated.

ft. morgan rigs

HIKE — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:46:50 GMT

im supposed to go out and fish the rigs out of ft morgan tomorrow morning. have they been producing much here lately?

Week after labor day

Hawkeye1 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:49:37 GMT

Hey all

Headed down your way for a week of relaxation the week of the 1st and was hoping to get an idea of what to expect fishing wise and if the boats will be running daily or just on the weekend? Don't know if my wife and I will hook up with a private charter or just hit the big 65' (Chulamar I think) out of Pensacola.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to a great week!

Hawkeye

Kig Mackerel

Ajerv — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:11:10 GMT

Have the king mackerel disappeared from the nearshore waters(within 5 miles of the beach)? Based on my catches(non-catches), it really seems so!

edge #s

bare bones — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:09:03 GMT

I am looking for any numbers for the edge out of Destin. I am not trying to get dead on #s just something to get me close.

Thanks Dave

Public Reef Fishing Etiquette

Misn 1 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:08:01 GMT

How close is too close? I am new to offshore fishing and I have made two trips offshore, both to public reefs/wrecks. On both trips, I was anchored on the reef/wreck and had other boats come up fairly close. By fairly close, I mean within approximately 50 feet. My brother asked me how close was too close and I told him that I didn't know what the proper ediquette was. I didn't mind having company...in fact, we spoke to each other about the mornings bite and even shared a few tips. One of my concerns is that if I'm too close to someone (or vice versa) and I get a runner, that we might get our lines tangled. I know that's always a possibility with someone on your own boat, but I don't want to do this with someone on another boat. My issue is that, as an inexperienced offshore fisherman, even on a public site, I don't want to encroach on someone. So again I ask; how close is too close?

Greens hole question.

HOOKEM — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:44:58 GMT

Until now I have been fishing without a fish finder. I have always just went to the paradise hole and had great success. Well now I have a fish finger and want to try some different spots. Tried the greens hole once with no luck, but im thinking I wasnt really on the hole..Anyone have much luck there? Is it as good as the paradise hole? Also, if there are any well known spots in this general area and you would like to share some info, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

36 hr trip looking for prices and capt.

woody1661 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:22:01 GMT

i am looking to take a 36 hr trip out of orange beach looking for a price the best one to go with and the best time to go any help would be greatly appreciated

jason

Chater Fishing Prices

TURTLE — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:24:22 GMT

Do you think it is a good deal? It is at the top of the poll , but $75 would be the price per person for a 8 hour trip leaving from Destin.Sorry for that this is the first poll I've put up.It is on a 65' walk around with twin 600hp deisels.50 person cap but limited to 25 for these trips for more room for anglers.

Chater Fishing Prices

TURTLE — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:26:18 GMT

Sorry

Trolling Lure Help

Chet88 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:05:38 GMT

Does anyone fish with the Marlin Magic Ahi Jet lures? If so, what size and color would you recommend for the most action? I am trying to decide between the "mini" or the "small" rocket jet, as I primarily fish around the edge and the nipple.

Zeke's Lady in Orange beach

woowoo — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:10:36 GMT

Hey guys,
I am coming down to perdido key at the end of this month.
The condo that we have booked gives out free passes for the headboat Zeke's Lady.
(One pass per day.)

Has anyone here been out on that party boat?
What do they usually target?

Is this a scam$$$? (Nothing is really free in this world)

I am a C&R surfcaster, but I thought I might give this boat a try.

Thanks in advance
woo

Lucanus Jigs

au1 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:23:27 GMT

Has anyone had any luck with Shimano's new Lucanus Jigs?

Amberjack Setup?

ateupwitit — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:29:09 GMT

What type of gear do you guys use while hunting amberjack? i.e. reel,line,rod sizes, lead sizes, leader length, bait, etc.....you know what I mean give me the lowdown. I have been using a Okuma Titus 50 with 80lb line and 130lb leader mono rigged like I would to catch snapper with a 16oz weight and swivel 6' leader with a circle hook.

After this weekend I realize I need to upgrade my line and hook size. We landed many AJs including a 84Lber but we were broke off and pulled hooks too many times.......thanks for any input.

braid to fluro/mono knot

bluffman2 — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:02:56 GMT

this is what i use what about you guys??

[img]http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5170/54140288sq6.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8702/68799854sy1.jpg[/img]

September Fishing

bdmast2002 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:02:43 GMT

I will be down the week of September the 8th for a fishing trip and was wondering what should be biting the best about a month from now.

I have a 21' bay boat and probably won't want to venture too far from the pass.

What's the best way to catch the large reds in the pass?

Thanks!

Pensacola Reef Builders

fluff — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:24:39 GMT

Waited untill the last day of Snapper season in Federal waters to hit two reefs these folks put out in March thinking there might be a legal snapper on them--well they light up like a christmas tree-- pulled out four 18-22 inch snapper in no time no shorts I was surprised they were populated so quickly with quality rare red snapper.

Spud Barge

Brad K — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:44:35 GMT

Anyone have the numbers for the Spud and not mind sharing?

Thanks in advance

Anybody catching any trigger fish?

Ben — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:48:45 GMT

Anybody had any luck catching triggers lately? What depth water and general area were they in? I was thinking about the tanks S SW of OB but they may be so covered up with endangered red snappers that it would be impossible to get to them. Any help appreciated.

Ben

Pinfish Trap/Bait Pen Help

richie kopf — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:46:49 GMT

I have been messing around with a design for a Bait Pen design and Pinfish Trap all in one. I need some input on what a offshore angler would want in a pen to include size, shape, bait capacity, wire size etc. Here is a picture of the first design. The trap/pen is 24" wide, 24" long and 23" high. Its massive, maybe too big? Unlike my normal traps, this one has a dead bait container through the middle with dimensions of 23" high, and 3.5" on each of the 4 sides. Here is a pic:

snapper season in alabama, Open or Closed?

Hysteria Fishing — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:37:55 GMT

I bought my Condi Cavalier rodeo ticket this morning, and the guy in Boaters World told me that red snapper would be a catagory again. It had been removed from the list, but now they replaced it. So now can we catch snapper outside the 3 miles and just bring them in thru alabama, or is it only open in alabama waters? and when does it close now?

Shark Reel

BobbyW — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:49:28 GMT

I'm looking for another shark reel. Been using a Tld 20, but its not really cutting it anymore...What should I get? Be fishing out of a boat not off the beach. Prefer lever drag.

Can someone give me a sea conditions report for Wednesday?

Ajerv — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:45:10 GMT

On Monday, the bay was slick calm but when I went out of the pass, the seas were very sloppy, white caps on the shoals. rough surf, big swells, most likely due to the hurricaine that went ashore in Texas. I dont remember ever encountering such a difference in conditions, so had to cancel my offshore trip. The Bay conditions fooled me.

Can anyone give me a report of how it was offshore Wednesday, yesterday???

Thanks.......

help with kings and ajs

woody1661 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:45:29 GMT

when snapper season closes i am going to be screwed. this is my first year offshore fishing and snapper is about the only thing i know how to catch i realise i am not going to get gps numbers so i am not goin to ask for them. but i was wondering if aj's were commonly found on public reefs. i stay in orange beach and leave out of perdido pass so i am looking for any advice i can get i have had limited success with kings but i still looking for help there also. at night i can see what i think is an oil rig could this be true and if it is, is it worth fisihing.

STILL TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT

JASON

fishing in destin

TN — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:00:10 GMT

I was wondering if anyone any one had some info on fishing the area this weekend. Some friends and I are heading out about 25 miles. I was thinking of doing some bottom fishing with some flat line. Basic but it has done well so far. Does anybody have a better idea for a distance, I’m wondering if I need to go further or is that far enough. Thanks for any help.

Offshore Fishing This Weekend

gottafish — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:55:39 GMT

I really want to participate in the Gulf Coast Grand Slam offshore tournament and need a ride. I can help catch for the boat in the Offshore Slam boat division splitting the $200 per boat fee or I can stick with it as an individual with the $50 per angler fee. Either way, I will help pay for gas.

Captain's meeting is tomorrow evening Thursday (8/7/08), so please PM me if you would like to help a fellow fisherman out. My wife is out of town ALL weekend, so I would hate to miss out on fishing to my hearts content doing what I love to do most-tournament fish! :letsparty:letsdrink:letsparty

Baitboat

Lejet — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:45:09 GMT

Is he out there every morning? Have there been plenty of cigs?

Please!! Somthing other than Kings, Dolphin, AJs, Snapper

Surfwtw — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:17:36 GMT

Hey guys, I have been out on my 17ft Proline a few times this season only to come back with Kings. I am just tired of catching Kings and I want a better tasting fish. I have anchored out at Bridge Rubble and just got Red Lips. I have been trolling Dusters with dead Cigs behind the Dusters. On the bottom I have been using live pinfish with no luck and some squid but only coming up with the red lips on the squid. I am not scared to take my boat farther offshore, I have all the proper equipment and a trustworthy engine. So the question is... How far out do I need to go to troll for Dolphin and with what rig and also where is a close by location for some snapper, grouper and AJs and with what rig and bait. I have a lot of public locations on my GPS but I am concered that they are fished out. Is that true?

Snapper closes ??

submariner — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:52:30 GMT

Understand that federal waters close the 5th But is that 2359 or 0001?

Second question, bouy weather says small craft today (Aug 3rd) and tomorrow can anybody confirm? anxious to go but don't want to spend the time/gas to look myself. Thanks for any feed back Ed

Best close in public spots

spiderjohn — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:34:39 GMT

I only have a short time this Sat to try fishing. Don't really bottom fish much because we never have any luck finding the wrecks and fish. What close in spots have been hot lately? We have all the public numbers so you can just give the name if you don't mind sharing. I ain't looking for your honey hole....just an easy to find spot that has something on it to catch. I need to break the curse.

I need a recent king report

Ajerv — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:33:06 GMT

I need a king mackerel report please from the last week from those of you who have fished for them at such places as the pass buoys, particularly #1, Massachusetts, 3 barges, beaches, etc. Any positive or negative reports would be helpful to me before deciding whether to go out for them.
Thanks......................

Weather

Greenjeans — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:26:34 GMT

Anyone headed out offshore tommorow? Just watched the weather and rain chance is better but seas dont look too great at the moment. Hoping it flattens out some tonight.

Need some Pensacola Pass direction advice

Ajerv — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:30:05 GMT

I like to go offshore 3-5 miles but the waters going out of the pass seem always to have big swells slowing me down. Does anyone have a detour route they use regularly to avoid the swells? For instance, it might be good to go West just off the beach, then go a mile West, then turn South and go offshore 3-5 miles before turning East to cover the #1 buoy, 3 barges, ect. Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Tight Lines.........

Offshore angling from Gulf Shores, AL???

MakeMyDay — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:12:52 GMT

Hello, fellow Sportsmen -

I will be visting (actually contemplating a permanent move with the family) Gulf Shore, Alabama, and am wondering about the offshore action in this neck of the woods. I am a SE Florida resident and fish solely offshore in the Florida and Bahamian waters for dolphin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna and the like. I also do some deep dropping and love to dive and snorkel for lobster and hog snapper.

Anyone have experience in the waters off Gulf Shores? What are the target species in this area? Are there oil rigs this far north in the Gulf? I made a trip to Venice, LA, last month and the fishing around the oil rigs was fantastic. I lived on Florida's Gulf Coast back in the 90s and recall that the rule of thumb was a mile for every foot of depth to reach serious fishing water. How far out do you need to go in the northern Gulf for serious offshore angling opportunity?

Boating, fishing and all the stuff that goes along with it are what make my family's quality of life what it is. I need to make sure we have and will enjoy the same opportunity just outside of the Panhandle. Any information or feedback would be appreciated.

Tight lines!

Dolphin Question:

miztergentz — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:37:43 GMT

We had a real good trip on Saturday and picked up some nice fish...We managed to pick up a few nice Dolphin, some Kings, several grouper and the Snapper limit...Here's my question... If you had a reel on the boat just to throw on Dolphin when they ran buy your boat...what would it be and what would you throw at them? We picked ours up on live Pin Fish on a spinning reel that we had set up for Kings... but when they came around the boat I didn't have anything rigged for them....

Reel?

Bait?

Back Up Hand Held GPS

Chet88 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:44:03 GMT

Looking for a second unit as a backup to my primary unit on the boat. Can anyone reccomend a handheld unit for use offshore? Garmin? Cost? Where to buy?

Thanks.