It’s officially started, snapper and grouper season is here and the bite is good! The first couple days have been fun, big Red Snapper and Gag Grouper have been cooperating offshore. In addition to these target species, various other snappers are also hitting the deck. By fishing deeper waters, we have been able to find better quality fish to fill our limits and be somewhat selective in which ones we keep. Snapper season ends August 1st but grouper season will remain open through the remainder of the year. The deep sea fishing will continue to be good in Clearwater as the weather continues to warm up.
The inshore fishing remains strong as well with Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Trout on the target list. Early mornings have proved best for Tarpon and Snook while the redfish and trout have been more tide dependent. With the water clarity in the excellent range this pattern and active bite should continue to produce nice fish.

Big Red Snapper on the season opener

Happy anglers with a limit of red snapper and some grouper