Nearshore Waters "On Fire" for Capt. Girle

Capt. Warren Girle reported that offshore waters are “on fire,” especially where birds are diving on ladyfish.

“There’s big blue  runners and Spanish mackerel everywhere,” Girle said, “also there’s bonito, 3-4 foot sharks with the big balls of bait offshore.”

He said from the beaches to the 3-mile north reef there were mangrove snapper and an occasional cobia (he reported catching a 40-incher).

Gag grouper season opened in all waters Sept. 16 and anglers are no doubt taking advantage.

Inshore, Capt. Jim Klopfer reported fishing was excellent this week as we came off the full moon.

“Speckled trout are plentiful on the deep flats, although many are just under the slot, along with some decent Spanish mackerel, snapper, and ladyfish,” he said.