Because of the conditions we switched from a trolling trip to an offshore reef booking.
Captain MacDonald put us on the fish immediately. He’s fished the waters near Englewood for decades and has charted the reefs for species and numbers taken on particular dates, so there’s a good chance that he will take you to the right location at the right time.
We got bites as soon as the lines hit bottom. My son was cranking in Lane snappers and small groupers for nearly the entire time we were out. (Only one spot was a bust.) The skipper gave sound advice on letting the fish take the bait for two or three bumps before starting to reel—which worked very well for my son. I had some trouble breaking myself of the habit to jerk the pole to set the hook; this just yanks the hook away from these fish.
Most of the catch were not keepers—though many were very close. My son hooked two strong pole benders—one sounded and got into the reef; the other threw the hook a moment before netting. I hauled up a 26” 8 pound grouper. With the big guy and five good Lanes it was a fine take. Again, there was action all day.
The tackle was perhaps a wee bit light and the reels old though it was certainly up to the task and made for exciting fights.
The vessel has a comfortable cabin and it’s fast, which is important when the hot spots are a long way out.
