Gulf of Mexico Middle Grounds Fishing Report 2/14/05

[VikingFleet]

2/13/2005 5:27:00 PM

Capt. Rich and the crew of the Viking Starship just returned from their weekend 44 hr trip and report a successful trip. A cold north westerly front came through on Friday night, making for an uncomfortable ride out to the grounds. Once on the grounds the weather laid down nicely and the fish started to bite. They caught plenty of Gag Grouper up to 24lbs., lots of Mangrove and Vermillion snappers and a good bunch of amberjacks. The jackpot winners were Phil Putnam, of Bradenton, FL, who took both the Grouper and Amberjack pool, with a Grouper of 24lbs. and an Amberjack of 38lbs. David Wilson of Venice, FL won the Snapper jackpot with a 7.1 lb. Mangrove Snapper.

Capt. Rich also reports that they released over 100 American Red Snapper, and that was while trying to avoid them due to the closed season.

[skullhooker]

I did this trip this last weekend. Even with a little rough weather, wind and rain, we had good action.

This boat is well run, the mates are super guys, professional and funny as heck!

The "headboats" I have previously been on were a joke compared to this trip. The captain worked hard to put you on good spots, not the typical junk spots partyboats take you to. Another spot yielded around 5 nice gag grouper and some amberjack. i was in pain after the first day of this 44 hour trip. It's really nice to be able to fish as much as you like, without having to rush home for this or that.

In comparison to the east coast florida fishing I'm used to, the middle grounds have much less current, and it's easy to fish deeper depths.

I recommmend this group!