The inshore bite for gag grouper has been about as good as it can get on the Big Bend. I believe the limits set by the FWC are starting to pay off. The 24″ minimum size was hard to swallow at first but after a few years there seems to be more quality gags coming to the cleaning table for an anglers two fish limit. Casting and trolling plugs are catching the Lion’s share but a live pinfish free lined over the rock will catch fish. Starting in as close as 6′ and as deep as 14 ‘ is the best depth.  The same rocks that are holding keeper grouper are also home to some good eating mangrove snapper. On light tackle my clients and I have caught some mangroves up to 15″ on trout rods with live shrimp. They are very fun on light tackle and when the bite turns on I suggest keeping the baits in the water and capitalize on it until it stops because snappers will turn on and turn off like a light switch. There is a closure for keeping flounder coming up on October 15 through November 30 state wide. It’s one fish that I don’t catch allot but would love to figure out how to catch them in our area. Most folks I know that get them pole spear them around rocky sandy bottom. So If you happen to catch one during the close season please return it back then tell me the spot you caught it! Incoming tide will be early morning and late afternoon this weekend

William Toney
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