11.26.21 OFFSHORE

Posted on November 27, 2021 by Bob Cohen

Name of Captain; Capt. Mike Spanhel Where were you fishing? OFFSHORE Is this a tournament entry Fishing Report; Yes The date you went fishing; 11-26-2021 Your Name; Terry Reelitz Your Fishing Report: If this is a tournament report do not state the fish’s length in this box. State the length and species in the box below Captain Mike Spanhel invited Dave Taylor, Frank Bellizio, and yours truly for a day of huntin’ and hookin’ for whatever would cooperate. A bit cool in the morning but winds and the sea were comfortable as we headed out at 8:00 AM with and outgoing tide and low tide scheduled around Noon. Loaded up with 10 dozen live shrimp, frozen shrimp, Sardines and Squid – a short run and first stop was in about 35’ of water – water temps about 63 degrees. Hopes were high for some Hogfish, but some pesky 3 and 4 taco Grunts got in the way along with some above average Sheeps – biggest was close to 18”. Captain Mike kept moving around the ledge –  then the big girls decided to come out and play. Over the next couple hours Grouper action got pretty wild. We would stop at a new spot, stir up the Grunts and Puffer fish (at least one of the guys was tickled pink!) – then put out the Squid and Sardines. Big chunks of Squid and cut Sardines were the ticket. All told we put 6 keepers in the box and released +20 just shorts. Dave Taylor had honors with the biggest Grouper by a ¼”. Dave used a rather unique system to win Big Fish bragging rights. It started when he hooked up and got rocked by a big bruiser – he let it sit in the rocks for a good 30-40 minutes – eating and growing during all that time down there. When he was sure he got an extra ¼” he brought in the bruiser – what a fight and a beaut of a fish! It was an awesome fight! Started to get overcast about 1:00 and wind picked up a little – so all decided it was a good time to head in as we had a lot of fish to clean. Of interest, 3 of the Gags had broken off rigs deep in the gut but were still eating and one Gag had half dozen cut Sardine heads in the stomach – I swear I recognized a couple of ‘em as mine – go figure. Ride was smooth all the way back and a ‘good time was had by all’ – Thank you Captain Mike for a great time!!!!!! If this report includes a tournament entry please state the species and length of the fish caught in this box. Dave Taylor 30.25″ Grouper Terry Reelitz 30″ Grouper Frank Bellizio 26.75″ Grouper Mike Spanhel 23″ Grouper