Black Seabass Fishing Reports (April 2024)

Bottom Fishing is hot right now when the weather let's us go.

The Best Snapper Species Snappers are a fish family that need no introduction. Anglers from all over the world come to Florida to Target & catch them and love them for a variety of reasons. They’re usually easy to locate, are abundant in population, and provide a tasty treat. Just the names “Mangrove Snapper” and “Red Snapper” get every saltwater fisher’s heart racing. But before you think about cooking one up for a tasty treat, we will get U locked & loaded to land a boat load full. We are very fortunate on the West Coast Florida Gulf of Mexico with the Mangrove and the Red Snapper. But other common species include the Cubera Snapper, Lane Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Yellowtail Snapper. There are actually a total of 125 Snapper species that inhabit the earth’s oceans! Mangrove Snapper These guys have a red or pinkish tint that covers their small, rough scales. And don’t be fooled by their little teeth – they’re seriously sharp! To know where to find these fish, take a hint from their name. You’ll find them in mangrove islands but you can also find them hanging around docks, piers, grass flats, and more. Red Snapper Next up we have one of the largest and most favorable Snapper species, the Red Snapper. This species puts up a tough fight in offshore waters and can weigh up to 50 pounds! They’re also among the best-tasting fish species, period. Unfortunately, though, they’ve been overfished in many places, so there are strict seasons in place, especially here in Florida. Cubera Snapper The Cubera Snapper is another large Snapper species, with the biggest recorded weighing 120 pounds. They can be harder to find and make more of a rare appearance. But that just makes it more exciting when you catch one! These fish are more commonly found in deeper wrecks and reefs. Lane Snapper Next up we have Lane Snapper. A step down from Cubera Snapper, these little guys reach maximum lengths of 20 inches. But what they lack in size, they make up in strength. Lane Snapper will try and take any bait you present, even if that means grabbing it before a larger fish can. They have a pretty mix of white, yellow, and pink to create a tropical-looking fish. And, as with most Snappers, their fillets are quite delicious as well. Mutton Snapper The Mutton Snapper almost looks like a mix of the Mangrove and Lane Snapper, except they’re quite a bit larger. These guys range in size and you catch smaller ones or large ones out on the reefs. Yellowtail Snapper Last on the list, we have Yellowtail Snapper. Another fish on the smaller side, these fish are cute and can be recognized easily by their yellow tails – hence their name. They heavily populate southern Florida, where anglers can constantly rip them up and head home with a small but delicious treat! Snapper Fishing Rules and Regulations Now that you’re aware of common Snapper species, let’s talk about rules and regulations. As mentioned, there are tons of Snapper species out there. That means there are different types of rules for different types of fish, including maximum and minimum lengths, bag limits, and more. It’s very important that you know the difference in regulations for each species. We have You fully covered. We have the Federal Pelagic Species's Permits & NOAA Reef Permits to legally land any/all these snapper Species including ARS - American Red Snapper during the Federal Regulation Season Gulf of Mexico June - Aug We are Fully Credentialed to both Target & Deliver the Snapper Species you deserve & desire.

What a fun day out! Skel and I ran out to see what we might find. First stop was the reef. We spot locked over a pile of rubble and hauled up short sea bass, after short sea bass. I managed three blues and a triggerfish too. Made a move to o eof the wrecks, but it was barren. Ran a few miles further out and tried another wreck. We found more sea bass, but they were even smaller. The question burning in our minds was simple; push further out in search of bigger sea bass, or, run back inside and enjoy the bent rods? We ended up pushing further out. We found some sea bass pots and worked the area in between them. There were clouds of fish! We started off with bait, Mole crabs, clam, and squid. Then I changed up to jigging. Jigs were the ticket. Bigger fish and quicker results. While hauling up a ton of short sea bass, we slowly drifted close to one of the pots. We noticed some movement and realized there was a big school of little mahi holding to the structure. We tried chunks of peanuts, whole peanuts, and all sorts of lures. Skel managed to finally get one of the slightly larger mahi to bite his chunk. It bent the rod for about three seconds and spit the hook. I finally had enough. I ran back over to the little piece of rubble and dropped our jigs. We started right back where we left off. The sea bass were voracious, and for some reason, bigger. We hauled in fifteen keepers in short order, along with loads of shorts. I even got a big porgy. Unfortunately time wasn't on our side. I could've stayed out there all day. But, obligations take precedence over fun at times...

What a fun day out! Skel and I ran out to see what we might find. First stop was the reef. We spot locked over a pile of rubble and hauled up short sea bass, after short sea bass. I managed three blues and a triggerfish too. Made a move to o eof the wrecks, but it was barren. Ran a few miles further out and tried another wreck. We found more sea bass, but they were even smaller. The question burning in our minds was simple; push further out in search of bigger sea bass, or, run back inside and enjoy the bent rods? We ended up pushing further out. We found some sea bass pots and worked the area in between them. There were clouds of fish! We started off with bait, Mole crabs, clam, and squid. Then I changed up to jigging. Jigs were the ticket. Bigger fish and quicker results. While hauling up a ton of short sea bass, we slowly drifted close to one of the pots. We noticed some movement and realized there was a big school of little mahi holding to the structure. We tried chunks of peanuts, whole peanuts, and all sorts of lures. Skel managed to finally get one of the slightly larger mahi to bite his chunk. It bent the rod for about three seconds and spit the hook. I finally had enough. I ran back over to the little piece of rubble and dropped our jigs. We started right back where we left off. The sea bass were voracious, and for some reason, bigger. We hauled in fifteen keepers in short order, along with loads of shorts. I even got a big porgy. Unfortunately time wasn't on our side. I could've stayed out there all day. But, obligations take precedence over fun at times...

Crabbing has been great lately! Bottom fishing for salmon is slowing down, but it's not too early to start booking for spring Chinook in Tillamook bay, starting in May!

Crabbing has been great lately! Bottom fishing for salmon is slowing down, but it's not too early to start booking for spring Chinook in Tillamook bay, starting in May!

Black Seabass, Cobia, Trigger fish have been doing good. Of course the King Mackerel and Red Snapper have been biting well also on our 4hr trip.

Black Seabass, Cobia, Trigger fish have been doing good. Of course the King Mackerel and Red Snapper have been biting well also on our 4hr trip.

Black Seabass, Cobia, Trigger fish have been doing good. Of course the King Mackerel and Red Snapper have been biting well also on our 4hr trip.

Pictures from todays Captains Experience charter with Brad's group.

Offshore is on fire. Nice mess of fish for dinner for these guys. Can't stay away from the red snapper, good times.

The fishing has been good both bottom and trolling. There is still good catches of beeliners, very few seabass and some triggerfish. The kingfish are showing up again with some blackfin tuna and cobia.

The fishing has been good both bottom and trolling. There is still good catches of beeliners, very few seabass and some triggerfish. The kingfish are showing up again with some blackfin tuna and cobia.

100lb Black Sea bass caught on a bass rod. Various rockfish and one ling. Graphic Slayer now sports AIS transceiver and benefits safety and awareness for us for commercial traffic. Plush bean bags for the creature comforts!

100lb Black Sea bass caught on a bass rod. Various rockfish and one ling. Graphic Slayer now sports AIS transceiver and benefits safety and awareness for us for commercial traffic. Plush bean bags for the creature comforts!

They don't call it MAYport for no reason! Fishing the last few weeks has been off the chain. From inshore to offshore there really isn't anything that isn't biting. Playing the tide weather has been determining the target!

The Inshore and Offshore Water Temperature is Warming UP... Big time ! That's right... Everyone knows we had a Mild Winter this year. The Offshore and Inshore Water Temperature is Warming Up at a fast rate, and that is what We WANT !!!! All the Inshore and Offshore Species will be at least Two to Three Weeks Early this year compared to last year. I am giving a Heads Up to Book Early... That's because things will be accelerated this year with the warm water moving in sooner than expected. The Inshore fishing for Fluke, and Sea Bass should be hitting good in early May. The Offshore fishing for Tuna should also be firing on all cylinders by the end of May, or the beginning of June at the latest. Last year we had some great Fluke and Sea Bass fishing including some incredible Tuna, Marlin, and the best Wahoo fishing ever. Book Now before the choice dates are Gone.

March Fishing has brought a lot of fish over the rail. Reds, trout, and a great sheephead bite inshore. Offshore bottom has been awesome on the days the wind lays down allow us to fish off the coast. The much anticipated mahi run starts any day now in April and usually last til june. Fishing only gets better and better as the water warms and reaches it peak in the Fall. Our Fishing here in Charleston SC is awesome in the spring from inshore to offshore, we love getting our rod tugged!

Weather permitting the bottom fishing has been good seabass, triggerfish, beeliners and the cobia are starting to show up. Pogies are on the beach so the kingfish should show up soon. Inshore hfishing for reds,trout,sheepshead and black drum is good too.