All posts by Capt. John

Captain of the F/V Island Lure. Offers Gulf of Mexico, Blue Water fishing charters in the Tampa, St. Petersburg Florida area. Specializing in Pelagic species including Barracuda, Cobia, Kingfish, Wahoo, Mackerel, Sailfish, Dorado/Mahi-Mahi. Not to mention Grouper, Snapper and our two specialties.... AmberJack and Big Shark fishing!

Offshore Fishing Report 6/3/16

Hey Folks,
The long awaited Gag Grouper / American Red Snapper Fishing Season has Finally Arrived!!

Couple notes and points before I get into my Offshore St Petersburg, FL / Tampa Bay Fishing Report..

Like last year, American Red Snapper Season has Two Separate Seasons for Fishing outside state waters, and remember, there are no Re Snapper inside State waters anywhere Near St Petersburg Florida..
First The recreational season
– Begins June 1st and ends June 9th.
Secondly, Charter Captain Season
– Begins June 1st and Ends July 19th
ONLY FOR Charter Captains with a Valid Federal Permit!

For Both, the minimum Length is 16″ and Each Angler is permitted to keep 2 American Red Snapper. The Size Limit on Gag Grouper is 24″ and Each Anger is also allowed to keep 2. The Season on Gag Grouper is June 1st to December 31st for both recreational Fishing and Charter Captains.

As for the Offshore Tampa, FL Fishing Report…
The 1st 3 Days of the season the bite for Red Snapper (ARS) has been Sluggish West of the 40 Fathom (240ft) Break. The fish have been chewing, however the Moon Cycle has made Currents a little Stronger and the fish lethargic. On my offshore trips we have been Targeting the ARS around the Morning Solunar then peeling off to Hunt Gags when finished. The key to success has been Getting Lines on the fish and doing so While the fish are chewing early in the AM Around or before first light. Even though Gags and ARS live together on Most of our spots, Take the Time to Get the ARS in the box. Water Clarity West of the 40 Break has been spectacular. Fluorocarbon Leaders, Lighter weight (Which also poses a problem when fishing the currents) have been helpful. We have been fishing Dead Bait Exclusively for ARS.

Gag Grouper has been easy to target. Same rules as years past. Dead Bait to start, Live Bait to seal the deal. I like using a 100+ Pound Leader to keep from changing out knicked leaders all day. Scamp in this area have been easy targets. Dead or Live Sardine will get the job done.

One thing to note is Shark Activity has been an issue on some areas. Nothing worse then having a 8ft Lemon Shark pull up behind a 25 pound ARS just to rip it in two. Bring Plenty of Cold water to stay hydrated as the weather has been HOT and the Winds have been almost non existent the last three days. Eating a banana will keep any dehydration cramps away.

Heres Some Pictures from this Week, Remember.. Me and Capt Gene post all our Trip Pictures Daily on Facebook and Instagram.

/ Capt John
Island Lure Fishing Charters St. Pete Beach, FL
727-565-0202

And Now some Photos:

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Fishing Charters ST Pete Beach FL

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Hog Fish Season has been HOT

1/30/16 – Island Lure Fishing Charters – Offshore St. Pete Beach, FL Fishing Report

The bite has been spectacular and there’s no sign that it may slow down anytime in the near future. If anything, the recent cold fronts will push more Fishing Charters St Pete Beach, FL fish into the area and the bite will get even hotter.

Between weather systems we have been targeting rock piles in 35-70Ft of water and having great success using live bait to target Mango Snapper, Porgy and of course Hog Fish. On these trips is customary to also get some nice hook ups on Grouper, Scamp and the occasional Trigger Fish.

As the weather from lat week settles down, I expect the water to clear up and the Bite to only get even better.

ST Pete Beach Fishing ChartersIf your interested in Booking a Trip with spring break fast approaching, I suggest you do so ASAP as we are booking fast.

/ Capt John

Island Lure Fishing Charters
St. Petersburg, Florida

 

Offshore St Petersburg Fishing Report 7/8/15

Getting fish to eat on the moon the last week was difficult to say the least. We experienced the bite just Turn COMPLETELY OFF early in the day.  During the 3 days leading up to and past the Full Moon are  especially tough to fish unless of course you are fishing the night bite, especially for Snappers like mango. Mango and other snappers love chewing on the moon at night. Regular day fishing however, combined with these water temps (hovering around the 87 Degree mark), can be difficult. The past few days the Offshore Fishing has picked up. Tremendously.

Again, we have been targeting fish in 200-300 Feet. On the Red Snapper, Dead Bait has been best. Domestic Sardines and Boston Macks have been preferred. Fishing the same bottom, dropping a healthy looking Pin Fish has resulted in nice sized Gag Grouper and delicious scamp. Taking the time to catch your Pins on the way out has been preferred as the bait looks fresher and has better color than trap caught bait.

Between fishing holes we have also been raising sail fish swimming circle hooked Ballyhoo and dropping a box of Glass Minnows in our transom well. Always be prepared as there are more of these fish out there than people think.

Nearer Shore (70-100 Foot) there is a LARGE influx of fry bait. Its pretty easy to find as you will see Bonita boiling over it. You never know what you may catch in these areas.

We still have a few days left for the Charter Fisherman Combined Gag Grouper and Red Snapper season (however we are booked). I highly recommend that if you would like the shot at some of the MONSTER sized fish you see us catch next year, pre-book your trip ASAP as we  booked the entire season this year within 3 days of it being announced.  Your $100 deposit will insure you do not get left behind on one of these epic trips.

/ Capt. John

 

Pictures from our Trip on July 7th 2015 With Capt. John

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Offshore Fishing Report St Pete FL 6/8/15

Although American Red Snapper season is coming to a close for Recreational Anglers (Closes June 10th), Island Lure is a Federally Permitted Vessel and will be fishing the “Charter Boat” Season which lasts until July 14th. Luckily the 2015 season has been the best in recent history. So far the weather has been 100% Perfect to get out and get far enough offshore to get into the bigger fish. Not to mention this year the bite has been spectacular!

Catch from 6/7/15 Trip. ARS, Mahi, Snowy Grouper, Yellow Edge, Almaco, Mango and Red Grouper
Catch from 6/7/15 Trip. ARS, Mahi, Snowy Grouper, Yellow Edge, Almaco, Mango and Red Grouper

One thing that I’ve found, and it especially holds true during the summer months, is that the early bird gets the worm. I like to be ready to get my lines in the water before 6 am. Once the sun gets up in the sky, it’s not uncommon for the Bite to turn off like someone hit a light switch.

I always tell my customers to wait on the picture because we never really know when the Bite will Stop.

Currently I’ve been working the 40 Fathom Break (240 Ft) looking for Natural Relief and also for Springs and Cracks. Finding Coral Heads is a bonus. The spots we have been fishing are generally overloaded with Amberjack and Almaco as well. Getting bait below those fish is key. When ARS fishing in these depths I do not fish life bait and prefer dead mackerel and sardines as the Jacks generally do not take to them well. If the jacks become too aggressive, Ill have someone up at the bow cast  a big live Pin forward and let the jacks school around it while we fish the back of the boat. In these depths it’s also not uncommon to have to deal with Large Sharks. Sometimes they become aggressive and eat our catch as we are reeling up. The solution for that is to bring some Bonita, Move up off our spot and drop a chum block or three along with pieces of Bonita.

In these depths its also not uncommon to run into nice schooly sized Mahi Mahi, Black Tin Tuna, Wahoo and of course billfish. So if you are gonna make the run 100 miles offshore, the key is to learn from your past mistakes and make sure you plan accordingly, having any type of gear and all types of bait.  // Capt. John

 

Offshore Fishing Report – Red Snapper – Tampa St. Pete FL 6/1/15

You Ready for the American Red Snapper Season? Our customers have been chomping at the bit to get on some of these GREAT fighting, top of the food chain fish!

We have these Fish Located and the BITE has been spectacular to say the least.  Currently we have been finding these Super-sized Red Snapper in the 180-240 depths. We have been also able to limit out quickly which has given us the ability to chase down Large Mangos and Good Size Red Grouper with the occasional 20+ pound Fire Trucks Mixed in. Targeting the deeper water has really been the ticket. Yes there are large numbers of Red Snapper in the shallower water, but our customers are expecting larger sized fish. During June and July all of our trips will be Deep Water Extended Day Trips. Typically fishing 100 Miles offshore.

Season for ARS is open June 1st through July 14th. During the Month of June we are able to Bag 2 ARS per person, 2 Red Grouper and 2 Scamp per person. We also have the ability for Many Mango and Vermilion which have been easy to target. B Liners in the 2-4 pound range are common and the Mangos have been in the 4-8 pound Range. Both have been easy pickings.

As for the Bonus, July 1st through the 14th, GAG grouper season opens which will give our clients the ability to target Both ARS and Two GAG to add to the Box with the Reds and Scamp (4 Grouper per head Aggregate is in effect).

Spots are nearly All Gone so please contact and books ASAP.

/ Capt. John

American Red Snapper (ARS) Charters,
Our catch included 12 ARS (Bag Limit) 40 Mangos in the 4-8Pound Class, A basket of LARGE Vermillion Snapper, Red Grouper, Scamp and Black Fin Tuna.
American Red Snapper Charters St. Pete Florida
The Ars Are Cooperating with us. All Fish are in the 20 Pound Class and over.
American Red Snapper Charter Tampa, FL
Nice ARS from 6/1/15
Nice ARS from 6/1/15
Nice ARS from 6/1/15
Another Monster ARS from 6/1/15
Another Monster ARS from 6/1/15
Healthy Red Snapper.
Healthy Red Snapper.
Red Snapper Charters Tampa, FL
All fish are in this size range

Tampa / St Pete Offshore Fishing Report 3/11/15

Weather is now finally cooperating with us and while the temperatures rise expect the fishing to quickly get hot!

Fishing Report Tampa, FL
Nice haul from a 1/2 Day Trip on 3/10/15. Hogfish, Grouper, Mango and Porgy. Good Job folks!

Over the last couple days the Hogfish Bite has been exceptional as expected and many other great tasting table fare have also been fully cooperating with our anglers. We have been getting large numbers of good size Porgies to go with the Hogs. Live shrimp has been the ticket and downsizing your tackle will ensure more action.  Look for live bottom to find their home. For a quick change of pace, offering up a broken Sardine will fire up some good Red Grouper and Catch and Release Gags. A push out to 100 feet will result in regular keeper sized Red Grouper, but the Hogs will not be on the menu.

For the rest of the month expect the Hogfish to be the main target as they are just starting to spawn.

On our trip out yesterday (3/10/15) I noticed some ballyhoo on top. That means the Toothy Pelagics are on the way and should be beginning to show up any day now.

/ Capt. John

 

Offshore Tampa Bay / St. Pete Fishing Report 2/23/15

Fishing in winter off the coast of Florida more than 20 miles can be challenging this time of year, but it’s when all species seem to bite the best. Right now with the colder of the cold fronts moving in and the blistering winds churning the all mighty gulf and with temperatures plunging, it moves our little finned-friends around. They tend to gather up on natural coral outcroppings this time of year to feast on the abundance of bait and bait fish that move into the area.

In the last month, we have found large Red Grouper, Scamp, and large Mango Snapper in the 40 mile / 120 foot range. The fish have been feeding on live Pinfish, and Spanish Sardines. Also, a little bit shallower, from 85 – 55 feet, we have been catching beautiful Hog Snapper, Mangoes, Red Grouper, and Scamp. Most of these fish in this depth have been caught on Spanish Sardines, and Shrimp. At this time of year when fishing these shallower waters with light tackle, you want to upgrade to the next rod and reel or line and leader size. The abundance of migrating Gag Grouper, preparing for the spawn, are on the feed. By upping the tackle to the next size level, you will give yourself a greater opportunity to catch one of the little Black Beasts – instead of him breaking you off in the coral. Believe me, the other fish are not leader-shy this time of year either. They’re eating as much as they can, to store body fat for the upcoming spawn.

If you’d like an opportunity to catch any of these fish, just click “Book My Trip” on this page and we’ll make all your fishing dreams come true.

 

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DECEMBER 2014 St. Petersburg Offshore Fishing Report

Hello Cooler Weather!!

HogFish and Mango Snapper have been the ticket this December and the bite will be ROCK SOLID right through March and the arrival of Kingfish and Tarpon. We have also been catching many Gag and Red Grouper however they are closed for harvesting currently.

Hogfish are the BEST in BREED for delicious table fare. These fish run up to 10 pounds and put up a great fight!  Book Your Trip today and load up your freezer!

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Hogfish - Tampa Bay St. Petersburg Deep Sea Fishing Charters
We have been catching many Hogfish on our Charters this month. Great Fight and the Best Tasting fish in the Gulf!

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Island Lure Fishing Adventures offers Full Day and Half Day Deep Sea Fishing Trips From Maximo Marina in St. Petersburg, FL

 

 

Deep Sea Fishing Report JULY 10 2014

Here’s our latest fishing report and forecast for the previous weeks and the upcoming weeks.
–  Posted July 10th 2014

We had a very short American Red Snapper Season this year courtesy of our Federal Government’s Fisheries Management. This year they allocated only 9 days for harvesting of these delicious fish. All of our American Red Snapper (ARS) trips this year resulted in fantastic catches of not only ARS, but also of other great species including Speckled Hind, Mahi Mahi, Black Fin Tuna and a whole lot more. Currently the bite has been above average as the water temps have risen and we are able to get our clients the fish they have been asking for. It hasn’t always been easy but we always get it done.

Whats Hot Right Now….

  • Regular Deep Sea Fishing Full Day’s

July 1st marked the opening of Gag Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico.  Full day trips are currently targeting Gag Grouper, Red Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. All of which are some of our tastiest table fare.

We also have the ability to offer Amberjack to our Full Day Deep Sea Clients who wish to catch one of these hard fighting “reef donkey” predators as well as Bonita and the occasional Mahi.

  • X-Treme Deep Drop Trips

    For those wishing to attempt to muscle up Giant Gag Grouper, this is the ticket! At these depths we have been targeting 35+ pound Gags, Speckled Hind, GIANT Red Grouper in the over 20 pound range and the biggest Scamp our Gulf offers.  We also have the ability to catch Large Black Fin Tuna, Mahi and Wahoo at these depths. (Below are some pictures). With the July 1st opening of Gag Grouper, this is THE PERFECT TIME to get way offshore and really get a lot of meat for the freezer.

  • Inshore with Capt. Kyle

Trout, Snook and Redfish are all available in July. As of July 10th, we have still seen Tarpon hanging around, although as the days add up the ability to specifically target them be reducing daily. Its also a great time of year to Target Hammerhead and Bull Shark.

Here are just Just a Few of the photos from the last couple of weeks!!

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Red Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Charters Gag Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Cobia Deep Sea Fishing

Book your St. Petersburg FL Deep Sea Offshore fishing charter today and lets make some memories that will last a lifetime!!

 

Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing Report 5-15-2014

Offshore & Inshore Charter Fishing St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Report For May 15th 2014

Inshore Fishing Report

Two Words Sharks & Tarpon. The Full Moon on the 14th is going to be the official Start of the Tarpon Season here in Tampa Bay. We have been noticing an increasing amount of Tarpon Last Week however Pods have been small. As of Yesterday we have noticed Larger Fish and More Numbers. The next week will be Game on for Good numbers of Tarpon and Good Size.

With the Tarpon the Large BullSharks and Hammerheads will be arriving we have been catching them constantly for those that want them.

Offshore St. Petersburg Fishing Report

More of the same to report. We have been Continuing to Catch Large Numbers of Big Red Grouper and Mango Snapper. Our offshore trips have also produced lots of 30+ Pound Kingfish and Good Sized Up to 40 Pound Back breaking Amberjack. All in all the offshore fishing has been on Fire.

 

Book Your Trip Today and come get you some!

 

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