Fishing Report
From Capt. Larry McGuire

7-4-07

Fishing is real hot like are weather.We are catching big Gag Grouper,Fire truck Red Grouper,Black Grouper,Scamp Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper,Hogfish, big Permit,Amberjacks,Barracudas,Cobia,and a variety of Sharks.We are fishing out to 150 ft offshore of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key using a variety of live bait and artificials lures.Capt.Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS cell 941-720-6475,home 941-795-3030

6-22-07

Fishing is hot right now with big Gag and Red Grouper going strong.We are also catching lots of Red,Mangrove and Lane Snappers,big Barracudas,lots of Sharks up to 6 ft and one Kingfish at 25 lbs.Best Grouper action is 30 to 50 miles out using live pinfish and grunts.Fishing really improved after Tropical storm Barry came through a few weeks ago.My theory is after a storm comes through it pushes lots of new fish into the area.So now is the time to go out and go fishing and get them while their hot.Capt.Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS 941-795-3030,cell 941-720-6475

6-2-07

Fishing was really great this week.We are catching Permit,Gag Grouper,Red Grrouper,Scamp,Mangrove Snapper,Hog Snapper,Amberjacks,lots of Blacktip Sharks,Spinner Sharks,Barracudas,Triggerfish,and on sunday we caught 8 Hogsnapper in one day along with some of the other species.We are also catching lots of Kingfish this week up to 30lbs on most trips this week.The tip for catching them has been fishing the large bait schools that have moved into the area.Live Threadfin Hearing and Bluerunners were the top bait this week,fishing out to 25 miles off Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Capt.Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS 941-795-3030,cell 941-720-6475
 

5-25-07

Fishing was great before it got windy this week.Permit were the hot item we were catching along with Grouper,Snapper,Triggerfish,Hogfish,Sharks,and Barracudas.We were fishing out to 35 miles using a variety of live baits and artificial lures.Fishing should be good as soon as this strong wind calms down.Capt. Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS 941-720-6475 cell.

5-4-07

Fishing is good and we are catching big Gag and Red Grouper,Scamp,American Red Snapper,Mangrove Snapper,Amberjacks,Porgys,Triggerfish,a few scattered Kingfish,Sharks and Barracudas.We are fishing from 80 feet out to 160 feet.We are using a variety of live baits and artifical lures. Capt.Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS cell 941-720-6475

4-06-07

Fishing is off the hook right now. Spring Break is definately here. What's hot now on full day trips is monster fire truck Red Grouper, and a few Gag Grouper,Amberjack & Snapper. On four & six hour trips we are catching smaller Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, Barracuda, Porgys, Smoker Kingfish, up to 45 pounds & lots of school Kingfish, Mackeral,& Black Tip Sharks to 7 foot. We are fishing on  full day trips 30 to 50 miles out. On four & six hours trips we are fishing out to 20 miles. We are using a variety of  different types of live baits, blue runners, mackeral, thread herring, & a variety of artificial bait.

Captain Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
 

4-4-07

Fishing is on fire right now.On full day fishing trips we are catching fire truck Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Scamp, Mangrove Snapper, Amberjacks, Sharks, & Barracudas.On one four hour, & one six hour trip we caught limit catches of Kingfish, and smaller Grouper, and a few Hogfish. We are fishing out about 50 miles using a large variety of live baits and artificial lures.
Captain Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
941-720-6475
 

3-13-07

Fishing has been hot,we have been catching big Amberjacks,Cobia,Scamp,Mangrove snapper,Yellowtail snapper,Hog snapper, Triggerfish,Porgys,Blacktip Sharks to 7 ft Barracudas,and we started catching some Kingfish and Spanish Mackrel.We are fishing out to 60 miles on the full day trips for the Amberjacks, Cobias and larger fish.All the other species we are catching on 4 or 6 hr trips fishing inside 20 miles.We are using large live baits,Spanish Sardines,and artificial lures.Grouper season is going to open up on 3-16-07,they have had a month off from fishing pressure and now is the time to catch your grouper,they are there for you.Spring break is here,come and get it.

2-17-09

Fishing has been great on our nice days.We have been catching lots of Gag and Red Grouper,Scamp,Mangrove Snappers,Porgys,Triggerfish,Amberjacks,Bonitas[Little Tunas],and Hog snappers .We were fishing from 80 ft out to 135 feet.Using live Pinfish and Sardines.Grouper season closed 2-15-07 to 3-15-07 in Federal waters [outside 9 miles].We will be targeting lots of Snapper and Amberjack and other reef fish for those wanting to fill the cooler.
 

2-3-07

Fishing has been great on our nice days.We are catching big Gag Grouper,monster Fire truck Red Grouper,big Amberjack,lots of Mangrove Snapper,Yellowtail Snapper, four Hogsnapper on one trip,Triggerfish,Sharks,and last weekend we caught 12 Kingfish and hooked many more on that trip.We are fishing 20 to 40 miles out,using a variety of live and frozen baits.Capt. Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
 

1-12-07

Fishing was fantastic this week before the wind came up. grouper was hot with Gags to 20lbs,Red grouper to 18lbs,lots of snappers,Triggerfish,Kingfish,Amberjack,and Bonitas [Little Tunas].We were fishing out to 35 miles using live baits and Spanish Sardines.--Capt Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS

1-6-07

Fishing is great right now, we started out the new year with catching big Gag, and Red Grouper,Mangrove Snapper, Sharks, Bonitas (Little Tunas), Triggerfish, ,2 Hogfish on one trip, and don't tell anyone but... lots of huge Kingfish, up to 35 pounds. On a special youth trip with 15 year old Kristan Vinyard, and 6 year old Nathan Vinyard, both from Prarie Grove, AR. They caught all of the above with each one catching a Hog Snapper, and 16 big Kingfish, on their first saltwater fishing trip. They will never be the same again. We were fishing out to about 35 miles with a variety of live baits.We left them biting for another day.sending picdsc00440 of Kristan vinyard with a Hog Snapper.dsc00474 Nathan Vinyard with a Kingfish,dsc00486 Kristan Vinyard with a Kingfish, fishing with Captain Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS

12-2-06

Fishing was very good this week, catching lots of Gag Grouper,Red Grouper, Scamp, Mangrove Snapper, Amberjack, Kingfish, Spanish Mackeral, Sharks to seven foot, Triggerfish, Porgys, Margates, and a special surprise...a school of giant Bull Redfish offshore. We were fishing out to 150 feet, using live pinfish and sardines.

Captain Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish

11-20-06

Fishing has been fantastic when we can get out.The high wind has kept us in port a lot.But when we can get out the fishing is great.We are catching big Gag grouper to 20 lbs,Red grouper to 12 lbs,Mangrove snapper to 7 lbs,catch and release big American Red snapper,Sharks to 6 ft,Kingfish,Spanish Mackerel,and Triggerfish.The Red snapper are really bitting good.They know they have a immunity deal,because they went out of season Nov.1.We are using live pinfish and Spanish Sardines,fishing out to 140 ft. Nov. and Dec. are my favorite time to catch big grouper and snapper.Now is the time to get out and get your big grouper..Caught with Capt.Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS.
 

11-12-06

Fishing was great before this windy week and right after.  With Gag & Red Grouper biting the best.  Last Thursday we filmed the Real Animal TV show with Captain Billy Nobles, & Mike Anderson.  The Grouper really helped us out big time; they were biting like crazy before the cold front.  We had all the film footage for the show with in an hour of catching fish.  We also caught Mangrove Snapper an Sharks.  We were fishing out about 40 miles with live pinfish working the best.  The Real Animal TV show will probably air in two weeks on NBC channel 8, 6:30 a.m. Saturday filmed off Anna Maria Island.

Captain Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters

11-4-06

Fishing was great this week in between the windy days. Grouper action stole the show this week, with big Gag Grouper up to fifteen lbs., Red Grouper up to twelve lbs. We also caught a large Mangrove Snapper, along with Scamp, Triggerfish, Spanish Mackerel, and a Kingfish. The grouper were biting so good, it was hard to fish for the Kings, but they are there for us. We had a surprise on a four hour trip with Ross Bolton, a party from England with a nice Cobia, and four big Gag Grouper, along with many smaller fish. Shown here is Bert Bolton, twelve years old, with the Cobia. Currently we are fishing out to 120 feet, using live pinfish and spanish sardines. The best action going on now is out past 30 miles
 Captain Larry McGuire with Show Me The Fish Charters.
 

11-1-06

Fishing is red hot right now,with the fall weather rolling in. With Grouper action as good as it gets.We are fishing out to 120 ft. off Anna Maria Island, & Longboat Key, using live pin fish, and Spanish sardines.  We are getting limit catches of Red Grouper to 13 lbs., big Gags to 15 lbs., monster Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, King Fish, big Spanish Mackrel, and Black Tip Sharks to 4 ft. Cordell Green,of Lakeland, and party, fished with us on Saturday and caught 16 big Grouper, 10 year old Caleb Screus out fished the four men in the party. He caught six of the largest Grouper.Sending pictures of Caleb Screus 10 holding Red Grouper, and also with nice Gag,Red Grouper, also some Mackrel.
We are now fishing in a new boat, 31 ft. Morgan. It is twice as fast as my other boat, more fishing room, and more fish. If you like Grouper, NOW is the time, come get them while there hot.

10-15-06

Fishing is getting better every trip, as we are coming into the fall with the weather temperature dropping. Grouper and snapper are biting better. We are catching keeper grouper, even on four hour trips. We are also hooking into king fish, Spanish mackerel, and sharks. We are fishing 60 to 160 foot deep using a variety of live bait and Spanish sardines. captain Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters.

9-17-06

Fishing report: fishing is good 15 miles to 50 miles off-shore. We are catching red grouper, gag grouper, red snapper, mangrove snapper, trigger fish, tile fish, lots of sharks, & barracuda! The red tide seems to have cleared out this week, and fishing should be good this week.
 

7-14-06

Fishing has been great this week with some overcast days to make fishing more enjoyable.We have been catching lots of Red Grouper,Gag grouper with the grouper action improving.Our parties are also catching large Amberjacks,a variety of snappers,lots of big Sharks,Barracudas,Little Tunas[Bonitas] and Scott McCurry of Bradenton even caught a nice Kingfish on 7-11-06 Fishing with Capt. Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS located at the Cortez Fishing Center.

7-7-06

Fishing is like our weather hot!We our catching monster Cobia,Gag grouper,Red grouper,Scamp Red Snapper,Mangrove Snapper,Yellowtail Snapper,Amberjacks to 70 lbs,large sharks,and Barracudas to 5 ft.On a 4 hour trip this week I guided Bill Rupport and grandsons,Ethan,and Noah out to a monster Cobia trip along with Snappers and Sharks.This was a very special trip as Ethan is a leukemia survivor and this was their first offshore fishing trip.We made this a trip of a life time with a giant Cobia fishing close in off the beach,catching big fish even on a 4 hour trip.We are always amazed at the fish that show up fishing off Anna Maria Island,and Longboat Key.. Capt Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS located at the Cortez Fishing Center

6-8-06

fishing is still hot even with weather warming up.I guided Henson Do and Party on a 12 hour trip out 50 miles.We caught large true black grouper,big Gag and Red grouper,scamp,Mangrove,and yellowtail snapper,lots of school dolphin(not Flipper)sharks,and little tuna.On closer trips inside 20 miles we are catching Permit,lots of snapper,big sharks,Barracudas,triggerfish,and mackeral

5-13-06

Fishing has been good this week with lots of Kingfish, Amberjack, Blackfin tuna, Mangrove snapper, Yellowtail snapper, Vermillion snapper,lots of sharks, and a 7.5 ft Sailfish. We were fishing for Kingfish using a live Blue Runner,20lb test spinning rod. I hooked the Fish and handed the rod off to Ken Boggs to make the catch.We were fishing in 50ft out aprox.12 miles off Anna Maria. Ken a lifetime resident of Bradenton had never seen a Sailfish. He wanted to catch a big grouper but was happy with a sailfish instead. Fishing offshore Anna Maria you never know what you my catch.  Capt. Larry McGuire SHOW ME THE CHARTERS

3-24-06

Good afternoon

The few days we fished this past week were fantastic.  As in weeks past, we had to contend with windy days that kept us from being able to get out there offshore.

We had a good catch of gag & red grouper, mangrove, lane, & yellowtail snapper, as well as some porgys.  We hooked into some king fish that broke off.  I predict as the water temperature rises the grouper, king fish, and large black tip shark bite will improve greatly.  The increased action will be here for all of the "spring breakers", and all of us avid fishermen and fisherwomen to enjoy!!

We are fishing out to 110', using various live bait fish, live shrimp, and frozen spanish sardines.


Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030

3-17-06

Good afternoon

This week was just almost like last week.  The snapper action is by far the best.  Once again our clients maxed out on their 10 per person federal aggregate snapper limits on our 9 hour charters.

Our clients caught large mangrove, yellow tail, and lane snapper, as well as some nice gag and red grouper, a variety of sharks, and the king fish were cutting us off right and left!  We should be expecting some king fish and mackerel action this next week and the weeks to come.

The baits we were using were JUMBO shrimp for the snapper.  These shrimp were so large that we were cutting them into three pieces to fish with!  Other baits used were frozen spanish sardines and live key west grunts.  We were fishing out 25 to 38 miles this week.


Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030

3-10-06

Good afternoon

Fishing offshore is STILL GOOD!!!   Our clients are catching big gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, amberjack, various types of sharks, porgys, with MONSTER mangrove snapper, & large yellow tail snapper stealing the show with the most consistant, non stop action.  Our clients have been catching their 10 per person limit of snappers on most fishing trips.

Fishing is still best past 100 foot water.  We have been using live key west grunts, as well as frozen spanish sardines for the grouper and amberjacks.  The snapper prefer live jumbo shrimp for their meals.

Happy Fishing!!!!!
Nanci McGuire for
CAPT. LARRY MCGUIRE
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC

3-3-06

Good afternoon

Fishing has been good offshore.  The most consistent action on our 9 hour charters have been the mangrove & yelllow tail snapper.  On most of our trips our clients have been catching their federal aggregate limit of 10 per person.

On our 12 to 14 hour charters we caught some gag and red grouper to 25#, along with some amberjacks, black tip sharks, margates, porgys, and some triggerfish.

We have been fishing out to 110' to 160' waters.  Fishing inside 20 miles, the fishing is tough, but should improve as the water warms up, with kingfish and cobia migrating this way during the spring time.


Happy fishing
Nanci McGuire
for Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL
 

2-24-06

Good afternoon

This past week fishing was fantastic!  Our clients caught amber jack to 40#, red grouper and gag grouper to 25#, mangrove snapper to 7#, yellow tail snapper to 4#, plus margates, porgys, and black tip sharks to 4 foot.

We have been fishing out to 155 foot waters for large grouper.  You have to travel some distance, but it is well worth it.  We were rewarded with some really nice sized reds and gags.

Closer in, the fishing was still hot for mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, and lane snapper.  Our clients have been catching their federal aggregate limit of 10 snapper per person.

The best bait for grouper was frozen spanish sardines, and for the snapper live shrimp.

Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire
for Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL
 

2-20-06

Good Afternoon

Once again this past week, we had to contend with the winds and high waves.  The northern ice cold winds definitely contributed to tough fishing.  Our clients caught some big gag grouper, a few red grouper, still some huge mangrove snapper, as well as large yellow tail snapper and lane snapper.  They also caught a variety of reef fish - margates, porgys, and trigger fish.

We were fishing out around 95 to 125 foot, using live pin fish, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.

Happy Fishing
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL
 

2-10-06

Good afternoon

Fishing was good, if you could find a window of opportunity to go out, due to the wind.  Our clients caught gag grouper, red grouper, giant mangrove snapper, large yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, margates, porgys, and some trigger fish.

We fished out around 85 to 115 foot, using live pin fish, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.

Happy Fishing
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL
 

2-3-06

Fishing was good this past week when one could get out inbetween the blustery winds.  Our clients caught gag grouper, red grouper, giant mangrove snapper ("mango madness"), large yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, margates, porgys, and some trigger fish.

The best action was definitely the mangrove snapper, as I call it "Mango Mania"

We fished out 110 foot and deeper, using live pin fish, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.


Happy Fishing
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL

1-27-06

Good afternoon

The strong winds and wild waves hindered us from getting some of our clients out fishing this past week.  On the days that were fit for fishing our clients really had a great time catching a variety of fish.  Our clients caught large gag grouper, some nice sized red grouper, giant mangrove snapper, big yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, and hooked into some cudas, black tip shark, and some reef sharks.

Fishing is better out around 85 ft. and further.  The bait we used was live pin fish, live key west grunts, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.

Hopefully this next week the weather will cooperate and all of us fishermen and fisherwomen can get out there whenever life's duties will allow us to spend some time on the water.  There is just something calming and peaceful about the water and catching some fish.

Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL

1-20-06

Good Afternoon!

Capt. Larry McGuire of SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS says fishing was "on fire" last week before the cold front came through.  The full moon caused the snapper fishing to be absolute insanity, and we left them biting for another days "workout."  We were catching gag grouper to 12#, lots of big mangrove snappper to 7#, plus yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, and trigger fish.

We fished out to 110 ft. waters using live pinfish and key west grunts, as well as frozen spanish sardines for grouper.  For the snapper we used live shrimp.  Fishing has been very good this winter right before and after each front.  We tell our clients they just have to be flexible and ready to go when the weather is good.

Our charters go out of Cortez Fishing Center, on the southeast corner of the Cortez Bridge, where our boat is docked.

Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC

1-13-06

Good afternoon

The fishing this past week has been AAA++++ all the way!!  We have had a nice warm winter and the catches have been fantastic!

Our clients caught lots of gag grouper up to 18#, some red grouper, mangrove snapper to 7#, some yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, margates, triggerfish, porgys, and some black tip sharks up to 5 ft.

We have been fishing out approximately 110 ft. on our full day trips, using live shrimp for snapper, live pin fish, and frozen spanish sardines.

Now is definitely the time to get out there and do some serious fishing.

Happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL
 

Happy New Year from SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS.  Our trips this past week were fantastic.  We have been catching lots of large gag grouper, limits of snapper (mangrove, yellow tail, & lane snapper), some trigger fish, porgys, and even a 5 ft. black tip shark.

On 12/30/05 we had a great trip with Dave Spencer, Karen Summerland, Steve Pearce, Trevor Widick, David Cobb, and special guest Capt. Mike Heistand.  On this trip there was a lot of pressure to perform and catch fish with Capt. Mike onboard.  (One of the Manatee Countys first charter captains.)  We started catching big gag grouper, with an intense bite.  When the gags slowed up in the morning, we moved and started catching lots of large mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, and some more grouper. 

We were using live pin fish, frozen spanish sardines, and shrimp for the snapper.  We were fishing out to 105 ft. waters.  Fishing this winter has been the best out past 80 ft.  It was great to have Capt. Mike Heistand onboard, so I could pick his brain, and learn some of his fishing techniques and strategies.  I am always trying to learn more and improve on catching more fish.  I call it "WORKING ON MY GAME."  You can win the Superbowl one year, and if you don't improve you won't make it to the playoffs the next year.

In 2005, we had a lot of obstacles with red tide, seemingly all year long...and then there were the storms and hurricanes!  We still had a great year fishing.  However, we had to improve and fish harder.

On 01/24/06, Tuesday, @ 7:00 pm, I will be teaching a seminar at Boaters World, DeSoto Square Mall, Bradenton, FL.  It is open to all the public and is FREE!  The subject of my seminar will be to teach grouper and snapper fishing techniques, as well as other offshore fishing tricks.

This next week, should be "off the hook"...or rather "on the hook" as far as fishing offshore is concerned.  The fish should be ready for a feeding frenzy after this cold front passes.  You just have to be flexible to be able to pick up and go fishing inbetween the cold fronts, winds, and other storms.  I always have the best fishing, when we go out right before a front is moving in and right after it moves out.  You can go to Disney World, Sea World, and Busch Gardens ANY DAY!  When we have clients call to book trips we always suggest they book their trip when they first get down here, and if a storm prohibits them from going on that particular day, atleast they have an opportunity to reschedule a "makeup trip." 

Attached, please find, IMG 1279 this is Karen Sommerland holding a beautiful mangrove snapper.  She went out on the trip with (not pictured - Dave Spencer, Steve Pearce, Trevor Widick, David Cobb, and Capt. Mike Heistand.)  This photo taken on 12/30/05, was on a 9 hour charter with Capt. Larry McGuire, SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS.

Also attached, IMG 1299 (R to L) Dave Weiland, Bob Ripley, & Bill Mackson.  This photo & fishing trip was on 01/04/06, on a 9 hour fishing charter with Capt. Larry McGuire, SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS.

Happy Fishing
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606

Good morning

We have been concentrating mainly on large gag grouper, mangrove snapper, and catch and release red grouper.  We are still catching big gag grouper to 20#, as well as mangrove snapper to 7#, and yellowtail snapper to 3#.  Our clients hooked into some goliath grouper this week.  We even caught a "doormat flounder," that was 24" long, while grouper fishing.  I predict that this action will continue throughout the cooler months.  You will just have to be patient and flexible to go fishing on the calmer days.

We have been fishing out to 95 ft. water, using live grunts, pinfish, and tomtates.  We have also been using frozen spanish sardines.  For the snapper we use live shrimp. 

Fishing should continue to be awesome throughout these winter months.



Happy holidays & happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL
 

I trust that everyone had a nice Christmas.

We have been concentrating mainly on large gag grouper, mangrove snapper, and catch and release red grouper.  We are still catching big gag grouper to 20#, as well as mangrove snapper to 7#, and yellowtail snapper to 3#.  Our clients hooked into some goliath grouper this week.  We even caught a "doormat flounder," that was 24" long, while grouper fishing.  I predict that this action will continue throughout the cooler months.  You will just have to be patient and flexible to go fishing on the calmer days.

We have been fishing out to 95 ft. water, using live grunts, pinfish, and tomtates.  We have also been using frozen spanish sardines.  For the snapper we use live shrimp. 

Fishing should continue to be awesome throughout these winter months.



Happy holidays & happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL
 

12-23-05

Merry Christmas to all from Capt. Larry McGuire, SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS!

Tis the season to catch gag grouper & big snapper!  Big fish are still coming in strong for Christmas dinner.  Some of the fish fishing of the year is going on right now.  It seems like there are about 3 days of windy weather, and then a few calm days that are fit for fishing.  You just have to be flexible, and make your plans around the nice, sunny, calm days to fish...and go with the flow...during that window of opportunity.  Just like "Nike" says..., "JUST DO IT!"

This past week, our gag grouper were running up to 15#, large yellow tail snapper to 3#, and mangrove snapper to 5#.  We are also getting into some large amberjacks, ("for those who like to be punished," as I always say.)

Live pinfish and grunts are still a great ticket to catch the huge gags.  We are also using frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.

We are fishing out in approximately 115 ft. water, however some days closer in.

Fishing should be excellent through the holidays.


Happy holidays & happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL

 

12-19-05

Merry Christmas to all from Capt. Larry McGuire, SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS!

Tis the season to catch gag grouper & big snapper!  Big fish are still coming in strong for Christmas dinner.  Some of the fish fishing of the year is going on right now.  It seems like there are about 3 days of windy weather, and then a few calm days that are fit for fishing.  You just have to be flexible, and make your plans around the nice, sunny, calm days to fish...and go with the flow...during that window of opportunity.  Just like "Nike" says..., "JUST DO IT!"

This past week, our gag grouper were running up to 15#, large yellow tail snapper to 3#, and mangrove snapper to 5#.  We are also getting into some large amberjacks, ("for those who like to be punished," as I always say.)

Live pinfish and grunts are still a great ticket to catch the huge gags.  We are also using frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.

We are fishing out in approximately 115 ft. water, however some days closer in.

Fishing should be excellent through the holidays.

Happy holidays & happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
(941)-795-3030
(941)-713-4606 CELL

12-12-05

Good morning

Offshore fishing is still real hot for large gag grouper.  December is the peak month for them.  They usually move closer to shore and bunch up for the winter and a happy holiday!  This year the best results are a little further offshore.  We have been fishing in 90 to 120 ft. water.

We have been catching gags to 20#, mangroves to 7#, and yellow tail snapper to 2#, some trigger fish, AJ's, and catch and release red grouper and red snapper.  We are also hooking in the jew fish.  We  also had a 30" cobia that we caught and released.

Best baits are live grunts, tomtates, pinfish, and sardines.  We usually start off with sardines for an appetizer to get the fish feeding.  We then serve them large live baits for their main course.  While we are bottom fishing, we keep out a couple of flat lines.  The flat line is what produced the cobia the other day.  We also deploy a chum bag that attracts alot of fish.  At times  you can see large schools of snapper, just below the surface/

Now is the time to catch those gag grouper with Capt. Larry McGuire.

Happy fishing
Capt. Larry Mcguire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS

12-5-05

Offshore fishing is absolutely outrageous right now.  Lots of large gag grouper, big mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper have moved into our area for the Christmas season, and they are mean and hungry!

Our gag grouper are running up to 20# and snapper to 7#, with catch and release red snapper and red grouper.  We are catching some black tip sharks, hooking into a few jew fish, and some small amber jacks.

December is my favorite time for grouper, so now is the time to get out there and get you some grouper!!

We have been fishing out to 110 ft. water, using live baits, some frozen spanish sardines, and shrimp for the snapper.

Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire for
Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL

12-2-05

The party is on with SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS.  Gag grouper and mangrove snapper are HOT right now.  The 40 knot winds last week seemed to have pushed in lots of big hungry grouper into the rock piles and ledges.

We guided out the Kevin Greenhill Family of Clermont on 11/25/05, and the Dave Wallace Party from Indiana, PA on 11/26/06 to lots of gag grouper to 20#, mangrove snapper to 6#, some yellow tail snapper, porgys, triggerfish, and a few black tip shark.  I have found that young people and kids really love to catch sharks because of their reputation that they are a fish that can eat people!

We were fishing in waters from 55 ft. to 120 ft., using live pinfish, live grunts, live tomtates, and frozen spanish sardines.

December is my favorite month, personally to go fishing for big gag grouper.  Now is the time to go offshore and have a serious Christmas Fishing Party!!!  There is also great possibilities for hookups with kingfish and cobia right now, if the weather stays
nice.


Happy Fishing!
Nanci McGuire
for Capt. Larry McGuire
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL
 

11-25-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, guided out the Kevin Greenhill family, of Clermont, FL today, Friday, 11/25/05 to a nice catch of gag grouper to 20# +, as well as some mangrove snapper to 5#.

We fished out to 100 ft. water using live pinfish and frozen spanish sardines.

Fishing is real hot now that the cold front has moved through, and the winds and waves have calmed down.  You have to go out far enough to find clean water where the fish are hungry and ready to feed.

HAPPY FISHING
NANCI MCGUIRE
FOR CAPT. LARRY MCGUIRE
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL

11-21-05

Our clients have been catching kingfish in the 15 - 20# range.  They have been limiting out on their federal aggregate limit of 10 snapper per person.  The snapper caught were mangrove snapper, laine snapper, vermillion snapper, and yellow tail snapper.  They also caught several gag grouper and true black grouper.

Our technique for kingfish was a flat line out behind the boat with live bait or spanish sardines and leaving the rod in the rod holder until one hit.  We also chummed with chopped up bait while fishing for grouper and snapper.

For our snapper fishing we used live shrimp.

We have been fishing out between 95 to 115 ft. water.

Eventually as the water temperature gets cooler, the gag grouper move in close to shore, and can easily be caught on 4 hour charters.  Right now, the best bet is an 9 hour trip to get large fish, as well as a nice quantity of fish.


Happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for Capt Larry
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL

11-14-05

Kingfish are finally here.  Thursday 11/10/05 I guided Bill Mackson & party of 6 out we boated 4 kingfish to 15#, and hooked up others out of the school.  On this wild trip they caught their federal limit of 60 snapper (10 per person).  The yellow tail snapper and mangrove snapper were ravenous  They caught 1 - 3# hog snapper included in the aggregate limit.  Snapper were caught on shrimp.  They also caught several gag grouper.

Our technique for kingfish was a flat line out behind the boat with live bait or spanish sardines and leaving the rod in the rod holder until one hit.  We also chummed with chopped up bait while fishing for grouper and snapper.


November is my favorite month for gag grouper as they move closer to shore and we can catch large ones even on 4 hour trips for guys wanting to catch dinner.


Happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for Capt Larry
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606

11-7-05

Fishing is fine right now.  We had an exceptional trip Sunday with Jamie Gage of Long Boat Key.  Jamie and party of 6 went home with their Federal Aggregate bag limit of 60 snapper.  We caught 41 flag yellow tail snapper to 6 lbs., 19 large mangrove snapper to 6 lbs., and then we caught and released large red snapper and large red grouper.  We also caught some keeper gag grouper up until sharks and barracuda to 4 ft. came in crashing the party.  We were fishing 31 to 50 miles out to 155 ft., using live pin fish, frozen spanish sardines, and live jumbo shrimp.

Due to the closure of red grouper and red snapper for November and December, we were not targeting them...although we sure had a great time catching them!  We fished gag grouper and mangrove snapper areas.  The red grouper and red snapper knew they had an immunity deal, and we released them.

November is my favorite month for gag grouper as they move closer to shore and we can catch large ones even on 4 hour trips for guys wanting to catch dinner.

Now is the time to get out there and "get you some gags."

Happy fishing!
Nanci McGuire for Capt Larry
 

10-24-05

Fishing was superb this past week.  Our clients caught gag grouper to 20#, some red grouper, scamp, lots of mangrove snapper & yellow tail snapper.  The snapper were so hungry you could catch all you wanted!  The fishing bite was awesome right before Hurricane Wilma came through.  The fish (like us) were making sure they were prepared for the storm!

We fished in approximately 110 ft. water, using live pinfish and frozen spanish sardines.

My forecast for this week (when the storm passes through & the water clears up) the fishing should be incredible because new fish are pushed up into our area....and they should be ravenous!!!!!

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

10-17-05

FISHING IS REAL GOOD RIGHT NOW, BUT YOU HAVE TO WORK AT IT AND FIND THE FISH IN THE RIGHT SPOT.  

WE HAD A WILD TRIP ON FRIDAY.  WE GUIDED ROBBY HENSLER & PARTY, CORTEZ.  WE FOUND A BIG SCHOOL OF COBIA.  JERRY MASSIE HOOKED A COBIA UP.  THE COBIA RAN UP UNDER THE BOAT AND TANGLED THE LINE UP IN THE PROPS AND RUDDER.  IMMEDIATELY MY FIRST MATE, JARROD VINYARD, JUMPED IN THE WATER, DOVE UNDER THE BOAT, AND UNTANGLED THE LINE.  ONCE AGAIN, THE FIGHT WAS ON.   THE PARTY TOOK TURNS FIGHTING THE COBIA.  (I ASKED MY FIRST MATE, JARROD ABOUT THE CONDITION OF MY BOTTOM PAINT WHILE HE WAS UNDER THE BOAT.  HE SAID IT WAS GOOD, BUT HE BUMPED HIS HEAD ON THE TRIM TABS.)  WE FINISHED UP THE TRIP CATCHING GROUPER AND SNAPPER.  CONSTANT ACTION!

THIS WEEK OUR CLIENTS CAUGHT COBIA TO 30#, GAG GROUPER, RED GROUPER, AND MANGROVE SNAPPER.  WE WERE FISHING OUT TO 100 FT., USING FROZEN SPANISH SARDINES.


HAPPY FISHING
CAPT. LARRY MCGUIRE
SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 CELL

10-10-05

Good morning

Fishing is real good offshore.  We have been fishing out past 100 ft.  Our clients are catching lots of gag grouper up to 20#, some red grouper, lots of mangrove snapper, and yellow tail snapper.  We are also catching red snapper out past 125 ft.

We have been using live pinfish, live key west grunts, and frozen spanish sardines.

This coming week, the weather is looking better so we should have alot more days to fish.


Happy Fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

10-3-05

Fishing is good offshore.  We found large amounts of fish grouped together in the right areas.  

Our clients caught gag grouper to 20#, red grouper, scamp, mangrove snapper, and yellow tail snapper.

We were fishing out to 110 ft., using live pinfish and frozen sardines.

Happy fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

9-26-05

Fishing is real good 100 ft. on out.  We are catching lots of gag grouper, red grouper, big mangrove snapper, and large yellow tail snapper.  We have been using live pinfish and frozen spanish sardines.  Fishing should be real good this week as the gulf water settles down and cleans up from Hurricane Rita.  Some of the best fishing is right after a hurricane goes through.


Happy fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606
 

9-19-05

This past week, our clients were catching gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, large mangrove snappers, and some big yellow tail snapper.  We hooked into several goliath grouper that were eating our snappers.

We have been fishing out to 110 ft. water, using live pinfish, and frozen spanish sardines.

As the water has been cooling down a little, the fishing has been heating up!  The new fish that have been pushed up into our area are hungry!!

We have not seen any red tide offshore from off of Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key.  We have heard reports of some red tide in the Mullet Key and Fort Desoto areas, as well as real bad red tide in the Charlotte Harbor area.  We can be grateful that our waters are clearing up with lots of new fish to catch in our area.

Capt. Larry says, "Now is the time to go out and get you some!!!"



Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

9-12-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, Show Me The Fish Charters, reports that fishing has been improving since Hurricane Katrina.  Places thought to be affected by red tide - "the dead zone" are coming back.

We have been fishing out to 85 ft. waters, using frozen sardines and shrimp.

Our clients have been catching gags, red grouper, mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, sharks, and some cudas.



Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

9-6-05

Good morning!

I realize it's Tuesday, but yesterday was truly a "Labor-less" Day for me.  I hope it's not too late for your publication, so here goes with the fishing report from this past week.

Hurricane Katrina has definitely pushed some new fish into our area, and cleaned up the waters in the bay as well as offshore.

We did a "bay trip" this past week and caught some nice snapper, sheephead, and even hooked up with a few snook.

Our offshore trips to some ledges rewarded our clients with lots of gags, some red grouper, mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, as well as a nice 33" cobia.  As predicted these ledges, thought to be affected with red tide, held some new fish pushed up into our area.



Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell



 

8-30-05

Good morning

Fishing has been best out past 100 ft. due to the red tide coming through and moving the fish out to deep waters.  The red tide seems to have moved out away from Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key areas to offshore.  The waters in the bay also seemed to be cleaning up before Hurricane Katrina came through.

Our clients have been catching gag grouper, red grouper, lots of red snapper, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, yellow tail snapper, amber jack, sharks, and barracudas out past 100 ft. and up to 140 ft. waters.

After Hurricane Katrina gets done with her thing and the Gulf settles down, fishing should be incredible with lots of new fish, (especially grouper and snapper) replentishing the reefs and ledges. After Hurricane Dennis came through it moved in large numbers of red snapper into our area like we have never seen in many years.

Some of the best fishing will be right after this storm clears up.... so, don't wait, get out there and get you some!!!

Attached, please find pic 820 of Skip Shipley, Orlando, FL with a nice 25# + gag grouper.

Happy Fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

8-22-05

8-9-05

Good morning!

Capt. Larry McGuire, of Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing is real good offshore out 40+ miles.  Our clients are catching gag grouper to 25 lbs., red grouper to 20 lbs., lots of red snapper, mangrove snapper, and a few yellow tail snapper, sharks and bonitas.  Fishing closer in is tougher, but we have been catching smaller grouper, snapper, and cobia.

We have been fishing primarily with frozen spanish sardines.  The reason we have not been using live baits purchased at a bait shop is due to the red tide being inshore and the aerartion in the bait well kills the live baits before we could get to our fishing spots.  We have been catching key west grunts and sand perch and using them once we are on our fishing spot.



Happy fishing !
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

8-1-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says that after 10 to 12 miles offshore there is no red tide at this time.  He did however see red tide in the Long Boat Key Pass, as he was on his way to fish offshore.

This past week, our clients have been catching gag grouper to 30#, red grouper to 25#, lots of red snapper and mangrove snapper, as well as some black fin tuna and a few sharks.

We have been fishing out to 140 ft. water.  The best bait right now seems to be frozen spanish sardines.



Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

7-25-05

Good morning!

Fishing is hot right now with lots of new fish in our area thanks to Hurricane Dennis.  Our clients have been catching lots of gag grouper to 35#, red grouper to 20#, red snapper, mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, small cobia, school dolphin, and a variety of sharks to 5 foot.

We have been fishing from 85-ft. to145 ft. using spanish sardines and live key west grunts.


Happy Fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC

7-16-05

Fishing was phenomenal right before Hurricane Dennis.  It has been our experience, that the fish bite is excellent right before a storm.  After the 4 hurricanes last year the fish bite was intense as well.  The storm pushes a lot of new fish into our area from the Keys and Caribbean.  Another plus is that the hurricane pushes out the red tide that has been hindering a lot of inshore fishing.

Our clients have been catching gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, black tip sharks to 5 foot, baracuda to 5 foot, and catch and release goliath grouper (also known as jew fish) to 300 lbs.  This past week we were fishing up to 100 ft. waters.




Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
941-795-3030 NEW PHONE #
941-713-4606 CELL

7-4-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing offshore is good, you may find that you have to work at it a little harder because of the hot weather.  The overcast days are best for fishing.  This past week our clients have been catching gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, kingfish to 35#, lots of sharks to 5 ft., school dolphin, mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, and trigger fish.

We have been fishing out to 105 ft. water, using a variety of live baits, as well as frozen spanish sardines, thread herring, and squid.


Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030 NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER!!!!!
941-713-4606 cell

6-27-05

Capt. Larry says the red tide seems to be dissipating.  We have not seen any red in the water on the way out to the fishing spots.  The fish kills we've seen are about a week to a week and a half old.  Fishing has been excellent out in the Gulf this past week.

Our clients have been fishing out approximately 110ft. waters, using frozen spanish sardines and a variety of live baits.  We have been catching 35# king fish, large red and gag grouper, mangrove snapper to 7#, cobia, mackerel, sharks to 8 ft., and lots of school dolphin.


Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030 new phone #
941-713-4606 cell

6-19-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing is real good if you go far enough offshore to get away from the red tide.  Red tide seems to be in the bay and about 5 miles out.

We have been fishing out around 110 ft., and catching lots of gag and red grouper to 15#, and mangroves to 6#.  When we anchor up for grouper and snapper, we are also having schools of dolphin (not Flipper!) around the boat, and catching them too.  We have been catching sharks to 5 ft. and some bonita (little tunys).


We have been fishing with live pin fish and key west grunts for grouper and shrimp for the snapper.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030 new phone number
941-713-4606 cell

6-13-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says that fishing was real good before the tropical depression.  Our clients were catching gag and red grouper up to 15#, mangrove snapper to 5#, lots of black tip sharks to 5 foot, as well as school kingfish.

We have been fishing out to 85 ft. waters using a variety of live baits, such as pinfish, key west grunts, and shrimp.


Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-795-3030 NEW HOME PHONE!!!!
941-713-4606 Cell

6-6-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, Show Me The Fish Charters reports that the gag grouper bite is very good when fishing in between rains.  We have been putting our clients on gag grouper up to 12#, red grouper, scamp, mangrove snapper, lots of black tip sharks up to 5 foot, as well as some straggler king fish and mackerel.  We have had some hook ups of dolphin (mahi mahi) when fishing out around 100 ft. waters in the grass mats.

We have been fishing out to 100 ft., using live pinfish for grouper and shrimp for snapper.



Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
NEW PHONE #  941-795-3030
941-713-4606 cell

5-23-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing has been really good this past week and so is the weather.  Believe it or not, we are still catching lots of large king fish up to 30#!!  We are also catching gag grouper to 15#, some red grouper, mangrove snapper, sharks, and cobia.

On Thursday, 5/19/05 Woody Wilson & family from Ohio went fishing with us and caught several big smoker kings, as well as gag grouper, snapper, and a variety of reef fish.  (See group photo 626 attached.  L to R - Mandi Wilson, Megan Miller, Brian Miller, Woody Wilson, Jr., Bobbi Wilson, and Woody Wilson, Sr.)

We have been fishing in approximately 65 ft. waters, using a variety of live baits and frozen spanish sardines.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

5-16-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says that fishing is still real good with catches of gag grouper to 20#, red grouper to 15#, mangrove snapper to 6#, plus scamp, a few school king fish and sharks to 5 ft.

On Tuesday, 5/10/05 we started our day with a little trolling.  Rayondra Olivio caught 2 gag grouper on one bomber lure.  She lost her arm in an accident as a child.  She used the rod holder to hold the rod and fished with one arm.  Rayondra usually catches more fish than some men do.  

Saturday, 5/14/05 we ran a 4-hour trip with Dr. Dave and Marty DeVita, of Bradenton, FL and his brother Bob from Illinois.  We caught keeper gag grouper, big mangrove snapper, 4-ft. shark in 40-ft. water.  We also had a 5 ft. sailfish chummed up to the boat, but wouldn't hit.

We are using live pinfish and grunts; as well as frozen spanish sardines.  We have noticed that using lighter line has helped the bite.

Happy Fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

5-9-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says that the fishing is fantastic right now.  We are probably at the peak of kingfish season at this time.  The kings were running larger this weekend than most of this spring.  Jeanne Voschelle, of Bradenton, FL caught her 1st kingfish on Saturday, May 7th that weighed in at about 35 lb.  


Our clients caught other kingfish the same size.  We have been catching lots of gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, and mangrove snapper.

We have been using a variety of live baits and frozen spanish sardines for bait, fishing out to 85-ft. waters.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

5-2-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says, "Fishing is hot right now, when you can get out in-between the fronts, rain, and wind."  We have been catching gag grouper to 15#, red grouper to 12#, black tip sharks to 6', barracuda to 5', mangrove snapper to 5#, and lots of school kingfish chummed up to the back of our boat.  

We have been fishing inside 100-ft. waters and catching the kings on live baits as well as casting spoons and other artificial lures.  


Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

4-24-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, Show Me The Fish Charters reports that the king fish action has been fantastic this past week.  Our clients have been catching school kings to 30#, true black grouper to 10#, mangrove snapper to 5#, black tip sharks to 6', barracuda to 5', as well as red grouper, scamp, and trigger fish.

As we have been fishing for grouper and snapper, we put out a chum block to chum up large schools of king fish to the back of the boat.  We have been catching the kings on a variety of live baits, spoons, and other artificial baits.  Black tip sharks and barracuda have also been getting in on the frenzy as well.

We have been fishing out to 85' waters using live pin fish and key west grunts, frozen spanish sardines, squid, and shrimp for the snapper.



Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The  Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

4-20-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters reports fishing has been fairly good inbetween the wind fronts.  Our clients have been catching gag grouper to 15#, king fish to 25#, mangrove snapper to 5#, black tip sharks to 6 ft., plus red grouper, scamp, & trigger fish.

We have been fishing out to 85 ft., using a variety of live baits, frozen spanish sardines, and shrimp for the snapper.


Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

4-12-05

Good morning!

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters reports that he has been putting his clients on a good king fish run this past week.  The king fish have been up to 4-1/2 foot long.  Our clients have also been catching lots of black tip sharks that have been up to 7 foot long.  We have also been catching mangrove snapper to 7 lbs., lots of gag grouper and red grouper.

We have been fishing from 35 ft. to 100 ft. waters using a variety of live baits, frozen spanish sardines, and shrimp.

Alexandra (12 yrs old) and Addison Arnold (10 yrs old), of Lexington, KY posing with 1st mate, Jarrod Vinyard holding the 4-1/2 ft. king fish that Alexandra caught while fishing with Capt. Larry 04-08-05.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

04-05-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says the king fish are finally here.  We are catching kings up to 20#, lots of black tip sharks to 6 ft., gag grouper to 18#, mangrove snapper to 8#, plus red grouper, scamp, trigger fish, and porgys.

We have been fishing out to 100 ft. waters, using various live baits, frozen sardines, and shrimp for snapper.



Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

3-38-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing is HOT right now in-between the fronts.  Our clients have been consistently catching red grouper to 25#, gag grouper to 20#, limits of mangrove snapper to 6#, lane snapper, yellow tail snapper, triggerfish, and sheephead.

We have been fishing from 40-ft. water out to 130-ft. water, using live pinfish, grunts, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for the snapper.


Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

3-21-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters has been catching red grouper to 25#, gag grouper to 12#, mangrove snapper to 4#, yellowtail snapper & lane snapper.

We have been fishing out to 135 ft. water using live pin fish, grunts, frozen spanish sardines, and shrimp for the snapper.



Happy fishing
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

3-14-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters has been fishing inbetween the fronts that have moved in & out this past week.  Our clients have been catching red grouper to 25#, gag grouper to 15#, mangrove snapper to 4#, plus yellow tail and lane snapper.

We have been fishing out to 135 ft. waters, using live pin fish, frozen sardines and live shrimp for snapper.

Jessica Fisk, of Sarasota, FL. with a couple of the nice gag grouper caught on a 6 hour charter with Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters, on Sunday 3/6/05, on frozen spanish sardines in about 50 ft. waters.  

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

3-8-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters has taken his clients out to fantastic catches of red grouper over the past week.  There were a couple of cold, rainy days that were not "fish-able."  After the cold fronts moved out of our area, the fish were more than ready to feed.

On our full day trips, we have been regularly putting our clients on red grouper to 25#, gag grouper to 18#, mangrove snapper to 6#, yellow tail snapper, lane snapper, and vermilion snapper as well as a variety of other reef fish.  We have been fishing out 25 to 35 miles. We have been fishing with live key west grunts, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for snapper.


Our 6 hour and 4 hour trips, in which we fish closer in, have been yielding gag grouper to 15#, mangrove snapper to 4#, and yellow tail snapper to 2#, along with other reef fish.  We have been fishing 10 to 25 miles out for the 6 & 4 hr. trips. We have been fishing with live key west grunts, frozen spanish sardines, and live shrimp for snapper.


We guided Glenn McLinton and Dewayne Przybilla of Minnesota out to an awesome catch of red grouper that ranged from 20 to 30 lb. each. These were caught in about 135-ft. water, using live grunts and frozen sardines.

On Saturday 03/05/05, we guided out Jim Hintz & party to a limit catch of "fire trucks" (red grouper).  Shown in picture are Jim's wife, Sue Hintz and her friend Kelly Almond, both of Bradenton, FL.  These were caught in 145-ft. water, using live grunts and frozen sardines.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941=729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

2-28-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says, "fishing has been exceptional inbetween the fronts especially for big red grouper."  Our clients have been catching large red grouper up to 30#, gag grouper to 18#, amberjack to 30#, mangrove snapper to 5#, yellow tail snapper to 3#, as well as some small sharks and bonita.

We have been fishing from 60 ft. to 135 ft. of water off of Long Boat Key and Anna Maria Island, using live baits and frozen sardines.


We affectionately call these big red grouper that we have been catching "Fire Trucks!"

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

2-22-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says that he has been putting his clients on limit catches of red grouper up to 30#, as well as gags up to 15#, amber jack to 40#, mangrove snapper to 5#, and yellow tail snapper to 3#.

His clients have been fishing out to 135 ft. of water off of Anna Maria Island, using live pin fish and frozen spanish sardines.

Wayne Merritt (far right) and party from Auburndale, FL with a massive catch of red grouper.

Kurt Adams and party from Bradenton, FL with their nice catch of reds.

These are only two examples of what we caught ALL WEEK LONG!

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charter
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

2-14-05

Capt. Larry McGuire, of Show Me The Fish Charters, is catching red grouper to 30#, gag grouper to 20#, amberjack to 40#, mangrove snapper to 6#, yellow tail snapper to 3#, as well as lane snapper and vermilion snapper.  This past week our clients have been slaying the grouper.

We have been fishing live pin fish, key west grunts, and frozen sardines, out to 130 ft. waters, off of Anna Maria Island.

The red tide has affected fishing closer in, however, I have been taking my clients out 35+ miles, and have not sighted any red tide out that far.  Fishing has been the best I've seen in quite some years.  

"Grouper fishing 35 miles out is HOT!!!"  This is my quote for the week.


Happy Fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

2-07-05

Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters is catching gag & red grouper, scamp, mangrove snapper & amberjack.  Fishing is best out past 100 ft., using live pinfish, grunts, frozen sardines & shrimp for the snapper.  

I fished a trip last Monday with Roy Padgett, manager of the Hilton @ Long Boat Key.  We were trolling Rapala CD-18 lures, and caught gag grouper to 12# in Tampa Bay.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

1-31-05

Good morning

Capt. Larry of Show Me The Fish Charters says the fishing is tougher right now due to red tide. Typically the red tide has been offshore 3 to 10 miles.  We have been fishing in the area without red tide, and the only "fish kills" we've seen has been in our boat!  (ha!ha!)

Our clients have been catching gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, amber jack, mangrove snapper, margates, porgys, sea bass, & trigger fish.  We have been fishing in 55 to 115 ft. waters using live pin fish, frozen sardines, and shrimp.

Brooke Johnson, 13, of Kansas City, MO on her first offshore fishing trip.  She caught this nice gag grouper on a 4 hour charter with Capt. Larry, on 01-25-05, using a spanish sardine in about 55 ft. waters.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

1-17-05

Good morning


Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters said fishing was still good this last week with gag & red grouper to 15#, mangrove snapper to 4#, lane snapper, yellow tail snapper, small cobia, trigger fish, porgys, & sea bass.

My clients were fishing from 40 ft. to 100 ft. water off Anna Maria Island & Long Boat Key, using live pin fish, frozen sardines, and shrimp for the snapper.


Capt. Larry and Doug Spence of Bradenton, FL with a nice gag grouper caught on live pin fish in 75 ft. water off of Anna Maria Island.


An Osprey eating a trout that he (the osprey) caught while fishing with Capt. Larry!  Everybody catches fish when fishing with Capt. Larry.  Capt. Larry said the trout looked a little undersized, but he (the osprey) flew off with the evidence.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

12/06/04
Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says fishing is still real hot and getting hotter. This past week I guided out Bill Mackson & party to  a nice catch of gag grouper to 20#, cobia to 50#, sharks to 5 ft., mangrove snapper, lane snapper, yellow tail snapper, hog snapper, margates, triggerfish, & porgys.  We caught cobia on 2 trips this week.  There is also a few kingfish still available, as well as amberjack out past 30 miles.

We were fishing out to 80 ft. waters, using live pinfish, frozen sardines, & shrimp.

11/29/04
Capt Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters says "tis the season to catch gag grouper!"  Fishing for gags improves daily.  I have been putting my clients on nice catches of gags to 15#, red grouper to 12#, mangroves to 5#, sharks to 5 ft., and lots of spanish mackerel.  We have been fishing out to 100 ft. waters, using live pin fish, grunts, spanish sardines, & octopus.

11/15/04
Capt. Larry says fishing is still really good, when you can get out.  I am still putting my clients on gag grouper to 15#, red grouper to 12#, mangrove snapper to 5#, a few yellow tail snapper, and sharks to 5 ft.  We have been fishing out to 115 ft. water, using live pin fish & frozen spanish sardines.

Capt Larry has been putting his clients on cubera snapper to 40#, red snapper to 7#, gag grouper to 20#, red grouper to 15#, mangrove snapper to 7# plus several yellow tail snapper,  cobia, and small kingfish.

He has been fishing 15 to 40 miles out using live pin fish and frozen sardines.  Capt. Larry says the fishing is the best since the hurricanes passed through.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry

10-2-04

Before the storm, Capt. Larry was catching gag grouper to 14#, mangrove snapper to 6#, landed cobia 33", and hooked other cobia up to 6' long.  He was fishing anywhere from 15 miles to 45 miles out, up to 150'.

Brian Carclone and Dustin Freno, (left to right) with some nice gags caught Friday, before Hurricane Jeanne came through.

Capt. Larry McGuire

Good morning

Capt Larry McGuire is catching dolphin to 12# (38" long), and lots of school dolphin trolling.  We have also been catching gag grouper to 15#, red grouper to 12#, mangrove snapper to 5#, black tip sharks to 4 ft., and barracuda to 5 ft.  

Capt Larry says the hurricane has improved fishing in our area by pushing the fish from down south to our area, especially large school of dolphin.  Capt. Larry is using live pinfish and spanish sardines for grouper and snapper; trolling artificial C&H lures and jigs for dolphin.  We have been fishing out as far as 35 miles.



Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC

06-14-04 Fishing Report

Capt. Larry is having good catches of red grouper to 18 lbs., gag grouper to 15 lbs., mangrove snapper to 5 lbs., black tip sharks to 100 lbs., bonita to 10 lbs., 5 ft. barracudas, and some stray kingfish to 15 lbs. on private charters over this past month.  We have been fishing in waters 85 ft. to 110 ft., using live baits, pinfish, shrimp, and assorted frozen baits such as thread herring, sardines, and squid.

On 05-25-04 Capt. Larry fished the first Offshore Gamefish Challenge Fishing Show.  We hooked and touch the leader (which is considered a catch) of an 8 ft. blue marlin on a live bonita for bait.  We were fishing in 100 ft. waters, 26 miles off of Anna Maria Island.  This was unbelievable, and one of my most intense and wildest trips ever!!!  You can watch us catching this blue marlin on Brighthouse network, channel 47, on 06-24-04, @ 9:00 pm.

Regards,
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters
941-729-4126
941-713-4606 cell

4-28-04

Fishing Report 04/05/04

Kingfish season finally started last week, (before the wind started blowing). On Monday I guided out Butch Schultz Party to grouper, snapper, & a 6 ft. black tip shark. 

I guided the Al Gustafson Party to some kingfish to 30#, gag grouper, scamp, & mangrove snapper on Tuesday.  (see pic 124 - Steven Gustafson, 13 of Gurne, IL with first large kingfish)

On Wednesday Bill Drew & family chartered me out to a nice catch of mangrove snapper, sheephead, and a variety of other reef fish.  (see pic 129)

Fishing report 04/26/04

Capt. Larry guided several groups out this past (beautiful) week.  The fishing was excellent!

On Thursday, April 22, Capt. Larry guided Bill & Lori Shuttleworth and Tom & Kevin Brooks out to an awesome catch of some cobia to 55#, black fin tuna to 25#, keeper red and gag grouper, as well as some 4' barracudas and bonita to 10#.  (See pic. #149 shows <left to right>Tom Brooks with his 55# cobia, Capt. Larry McGuire, and 17 yr. old Kevin Brooks with his 25# black fin tuna)

On Saturday, April 24, Capt. Larry guided the Ron Brown Party out a large catch of red grouper to 18#, and gag grouper to 10#.

Other groups we chartered out this past week had nice catches of mangrove snapper to 7#, yellow tail snapper, scamp, black grouper, and red grouper.

We were fishing in 85 to 110 ft. waters, using live baits, live pin fish, shrimp, as well as frozen sardines & thread herring.

Regards,
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC

03/29/04 Fishing Report

A week of strong winds kept me from being able to get offshore this past week.  I was finally able to guide out the Mike Stamon party on Sunday, (03/28/04).  They caught  snapper & grouper, as well as several 5 foot (+) barracudas.  We fished up to 80 ft. waters, using live bait, shrimp, & artificials.

Pictured here is Capt. Larry McGuire holding the 5 foot plus barracuda that 13 year old Andy Cooper caught this past Sunday with the Mike Stamon party.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC
941-729-4126
941-713-4606

03/15/04 Fishing Report

Capt. Larry says…"The fishin' is heatin' up!"  Grouper fishing is getting better and better as the month of March goes on.  Capt. Larry has been taking his clients out and catching red grouper to 28#, gag grouper to 12#, limit catches of mangrove snapper to 5#, also yellow tail snapper, laine snapper, hog snapper, scamp, triggerfish, and some amberjack.  We have been fishing out to 110 ft., using live pinfish, live shrimp, frozen sardines, as well as some squid.

Attached, please find a picture of Dan Wessly with his nice 28# red grouper caught, also pictured is Gus Swoboda , on an 8 hour trip with Captain Larry McGuire, Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC.

Happy fishing!
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC

Here is the report from 02/16/04

02/16/04 - -  Capt. Larry McGuire's guided Orland Cameron & party (on Monday), Boris Luts, Harold Barndt, Warren Pershy, and Chuck McKenzie (on Tuesday), Bill Mackson & party (on Friday), to amberjacks to 40#, gag grouper to 12 #, limit of mangrove snapper to 4#, yellow tail snapper, laine snapper, red grouper, and scamp this past week.  We have been fishing in 70 to 110-ft. waters, using live bait, jigs, and shrimp.  The AJs are extremely HOT!  The grouper fishing is getting better as the water warms up.

I have also included some photos that he wanted to make sure got on the web site.

Many thanks for all your assistance in promoting Show Me The Fish Charters - Capt. Larry!  I don't know if Larry has chatted with you recently or not....but we are getting ready to get a website of our own...with your permission we will be putting a link to your website, k?

Happy Fishing!
Mrs. Show Me The Fish (Nanci)
for Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters

01/19/04

Good morning!

This past week the gag grouper bite has strengthened closer in. I have been able to hook my clients up with some nice gags around 65 ft. water.

I guided Bob Bidwell & party to gag grouper to 15 lbs., limit catch of mangrove snapper, also red grouper, scamp, amber jack, and sea bass in 65 ft. water.

I guided out Dale Blanchette, Dee Park, Brian Paulson, Bob & Chris Soderholm, and Brian Soderholm to a nice catch of gag grouper to 15 lbs and sheepshead to 4 lbs. on a 4 hour trip in 25 ft. water using sardines and shrimp.

01/13/04 - -  December, 2003 was quite a busy month for us.  It is the prime time of year to catch gag grouper and mangrove snapper.  (My favorite time of the year to fish!)  The water temperature has cooled down to 57 degrees, and days have shortened, this causes the big gags to migrate close inshore.  Gag grouper can be found in the bays where there is hard bottom and rock piles. Every cold front brings in a new group of fish.  The bad weather also helps group the fish together on the ledges.  When the weather stays nice for a long time the grouper seem to spread out.  You can be rewarded with a fishing trip of a lifetime simply by being flexible and ready to fish in between the cold fronts.

On some of our fishing trips, we have been catching gag grouper to 20 lbs. Using live pinfish, tomtate grunts, frozen sardines,  and thread hering.  We have been fishing 30 ft. to 80 ft. deep.  In the same areas we are catching our limit of mangrove snapper up to 7 lbs using live shrimp, shiners (white bait), and cut frozen sardines.  We have also caught some hog fish up to 3 lbs. using shrimp while fishing for  mangroves.

The best mangrove trip was with Bill Macksons Fishing Club.  They caught 70++ mangroves up to 5 lbs., and gag grouper  to 15 lbs.  Bill and his fishing team are getting better, and catching larger catches every trip.  It takes a special touch to catch this quantity of snapper.  We call it the "Snapper Touch," without it you may only catch a couple or none at all, while Bill and his team may catch 20 or more each.  It should be noted that the limit for mangrove snapper is 5 per person, if you are fishing 9 miles or less offshore.  However, the bag limit for fishing in federal waters (9 miles or more) is 10 per person.

We fish snapper with 20 lb. test pink Ande or fluorcarbon with a 2 to 3 ft. leader with ½ oz. sinker.  Another method is to fish with a knocker rig, which is with the sinker up against the hook.  The "Snapper Touch" method is dropping your line to the bottom or fishing 1 to 10 ft. off the bottom, depending on where they are biting best that day.  The next step is to keep your finger on the line to be able to feel the snapper peck your bait.  Once you feel the snapper peck your bait…DON'T SET THE HOOK, that is the snapper killing the bait.  The snapper does not even have the bait in his mouth.  Next, lower your rod 3 ft. or give him some line, then you wait for your line to tighten up  and then reel. CRANK DON'T YANK!!!  If the fish is not hooked let out some line, and if you still have bait, he will get it.  That's the "Snapper Touch."

10-18-03

This past week Capt Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters is catching limits of mangrove snapper to 5#, lots of barracuda to 4 ft, red grouper to 15#, keeper gag grouper, scamp, & lots of mackerel.  I have been noticing that the red & gag grouper are moving in closer all the time.

We started out fishing for mangrove snapper & grouper, and had barracuda eating our snapper.  So, we started catching some cudas for fun, catch and release.

The first attached picture is of Harold Graves, Rossville, Indiana holding a 4 ft+ barracuda.

I also guided Rick & Bruce Jackson to a catch of cobia to 60#, we hooked a larger one, limited out on mangrove snapper, gag grouper, scamp, and a 5' baracuda.

We had the largest cobia come up while we were catching mangroves, trying to eat our snappers.  We started fishing for cobia then with live cigar minnows.  We hooked the largest one, and the hook pulled out.  Next time around we hooked up with his buddy, and landed him.  We were fishing in about 70' of water.

Currently, there are smaller cobia & mackerel along the beaches.  I have also heard reports of large kingfish coming through our area.

The 2nd attached picture is of me and the 60# cobia.  The other photos taken on this trip did not come out very good.

Capt Larry McGuire's boat is docked at Cortez Fishing Center, and fishes off of Long Boat Pass & Anna Maria Island.  To book a trip with Capt. Larry, please phone # (941)-729-4126...if no answer call cell # (941)-720-6475 for immediate scheduling availability and any questions you may have.

Regards,
Capt Larry
Show Me The Fish Charters

7-23-03

Good Morning!

Capt. Larry McGuire is catching red grouper to 15 lbs., mangrove snapper to 5 lbs. plus lots of sharks, barracuda, & bonita.  My clients have been hooking up with goliath grouper, also known as jewfish.  We have been fishing approximately 30 miles out using live & cut baits.

Capt. Larry will be teaching a seminar on offshore fishing at the Boat Show at Manatee Civic Center this weekend, Sunday, 07-27-03, @ 1:00 pm.  Boaters World is the sponsor of the seminars at the boat show.

My next seminar that I will be teaching is for Ladies Let's Go Fishing on 08-14-03, at 6:30pm, at the Christ United Methodist Church, 5512-26th St., W. Bradenton.  Larry will speak on offshore fishing for grouper, snapper and some inshore species he targets as well.  Capt. Larry's charter business is 'Show Me the Fish' and he docks his boat at the Cortez Fishing Center.  Bring your notebook and pencil because you'll want to write notes.   Please note this is a seminar for ladies only!  For additional info log onto http://.www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

I am also doing a second seminar for Ladies Let's Go Fishing on Saturday, 08-23-03.  It is a ladies only regional seminar that will last all day.  For additional info log onto http://.www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Regards,
Capt. Larry McGuire
Show Me The Fish Charters, LLC

6-26-03

Capt. Larry McGuire, of SHOW ME THE FISH CHARTERS, LLC is having good catches of gag & red grouper (up to 20 lb.) in 70 - 115 ft. off of Bradenton & Sarasota.  The red grouper are being caught on "swiss cheese" bottom, which is a flat limestone rock bottom with holes.  

At my fishing seminars, invariably I have people ask…"How do we find these swiss cheese bottoms, ledges & wrecks?"  or… ""Give us some GPS or Loran numbers!"  I tell them to go to www.rwhs.com on the web or phone 727-527-3903.  (The rwhs stands for Reefs - Wrecks - Hot - Spots.)  This is the best list of published (GPS & Loran) numbers I have ever seen.  They are all legitimate spots.  Some of my favorite fishing spots are on it.  Captains do not give out their private numbers they use, as it is their livelihood and closely guarded secret.

I start out on these hard bottom areas watching my depth finder for fish shows or large "bait stack" shows.  When I find these "shows," I mark it on my GPS and or "Shur Marker" buoy, and anchor on it.  On calm days, I may drift these hard bottom areas to check it for big grouper.  Once we have a connection with one, we come back and anchor on the spot.  Drifting is an excellent way to find big grouper as well as new fishing spots.  Some of the best areas for big grouper are where the rock bottom meets the sand.  My theory is the big grouper run off the hard bottom to the sand to eat grunts and sand perch.  We are also catching gag grouper and mangrove snapper on ledges & rock piles as close as 25 ft. out to 100 ft.  Look for the stormy weather & rain (in June) to drop water temperatures & push gag grouper & snapper to the ledges for cover during the bad weather.  (Very much like winter tine.)  

The hottest bait lately for grouper has been live cigar minnows.  They are in large schools everywhere.  The best way to catch them is with a Sabiki rig.  They usually show up right where we are anchored on hard bottom while grouper fishing.  I normally carried out live several dozen pinfish, 50 lb. of frozen sardines or thread herring, and 5 lb. of squid for grouper bait.  Live shiners can be caught off of the beach on the way out to go fishing too.  Other large grouper bait include live sand perch, (sometimes called squirrel fish), live tomtate grunts (silver grunts), live pigfish, live blue runners, or live octopus tentacles.  If you catch an octopus while fishing, DO NOT throw it back, simply cut off one of its tentacles around 3 to 5 inches long, depending on the size of hook you are using.  The tentacle will continue to move much like a worm and attract the attention of the grouper.  It is tough textured bait, and will last a long time even with small fish like grunts picking at it.  I have caught some of my biggest grouper on an octopus tentacle.  (HOT BAIT!!)    For targeting snapper and some other species, I take several dozen shrimp offshore with me.

While bottom fishing for grouper, I always run a free line or two out the back of the boat.  On one line we use a live shrimp or shiner with a #2/0 bronze hook, 10 inch wire leader, 15 to 30 lb. test for king fish or mackerel during the Spring & Fall.  We have caught a lot of kingfish this year using this technique.  On another free line we used a live cigar minnow, thread herring, blue runner, frozen sardine, pinfish or grunt.  With these baits I use live bait hook with a treble hook for a stinger.  The size of the hook will vary depending on the size of bait you are using.  I have been highly successful using these free lines to catch a variety of fish.  I regularly catch kingfish, mackerel, sharks, barracuda, tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), cobia, amberjack, snapper, and sometimes gag grouper will leave the bottom for a free lined live bait, shrimp, or frozen sardine.

We are encountering schools of dolphin (mahi mahi, not "Flipper" J) out past 20 miles in 85 ft. or deeper water.  They do not seem as plentiful this year as they were last summer.  Always keep a rod with a light spinning reel, 12 lb. test line, rigged with a 1/4-oz. jig ready to cast to them.  Sometimes they will hit on anything that hits the water.  Other days, they are real finicky, and you will have to try different baits to get them going.  This would be a great time to break out live shrimp or live shiners.  Sometimes a free line with a piece of squid or sardine on a 2/0 hook, (12 lb. test line) will work when nothing else will.  I usually encounter these schools of dolphin while (anchored) grouper fishing 20 miles or more offshore.  Dolphin are attracted to floating objects such as my boat, the grassy seaweed mats, or debris like plastic, boards, tarps, etc.  The problem is when they come around during a big grouper bite.  Do we catch grouper or dolphin?  We try to do both.  I usually stay on the grouper personally.  Keep the first dolphin you catch in the water on the hook and line or a stringer.  This will hold the school to the boat.  I have even seen a school stay with a grouper left in the water.  When the dolphin bite slows down, it's time to switch lures or bait.  I use different colors, hair jigs, or plastic tail jigs.

On a recent wreck trip, my guests were Pastor Tad Matthews (Pastor @ Church On The Rock, Palmetto, FL), his son Matt Matthews, Pastor Brian Bustle, and Pastor Paul Lawrance, both also pastors at Church On The Rock.  We were armed with a live well of shiners caught off of the beach.  We went to a wreck off of Anna Maria Island in approximately 100-ft. water.  We started hooking large amberjack, and then a goliath grouper came up 15 ft. under the boat and started eating our AJs.  We started catching mangrove snapper, lane snapper, & small scamp.  It was really tricky trying to quickly reel your fish into the boat to keep the goliath grouper from stealing it!  If the goliath grouper missed the fish we were bringing up, then a cuda would try to get it.  We really got a feeding frenzy going on.  Everyone was keeping me busy with fish coming in or their lines getting broke off.  Now, to make things more intense, I put a frozen chum block on the side of the boat.  We now had hundreds of 2 to 3 lb. yellow tail snapper, amberjack, & cudas near the surface in the chum line.  We started catching the yellow tail snapper on small pieces of frozen sardines free lined out into the chum slick.  We were using 17 & 20 lb. test fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0 owner live bait hook.  Pastor Brian had his two favorite snapper rods broke here from goliath grouper & cudas eating his snappers.  We now have a nice box of snappers (yellow tail, mangrove, lane, & vermilion).  Next…we wanted to catch some grouper.  We moved to some swiss cheese bottom, 110 ft. of water.  Matt Matthews caught his largest grouper so far.  It was a red grouper that weighed approximately 12 lb.  This definitely was a high intensity trip!!  We had the largest bunch of yellow tail snapper schooled up I ever seen off of Anna Maria Island.  That's what happens when you take preachers fishing.  You see signs and wonders!

3-25-03

For March, 2003 Capt. Larry has been targeting deep wrecks & structures 100 ft. and deeper on full day trips.  AJ's and a variety of snappers have been hot.  We are catching some keeper red and gag grouper.  Grouper fishing, presently, is best 40 miles, and 140 ft. of water.  Reports from divers that the bottom thermalcline temperature is at 60 degrees currently from 50 ft. to 100 ft. of water, while the surface temperature is at 73 to 75 degrees.  My theory as to why the grouper are in real deep water is due to the cold bottom temperature.  There have been real good reports of excellent grouper action all winter at the "Middle Grounds," (100 - 125 miles out), and even better reports at "The Elbow" (80 miles out).  Gag grouper and mangrove snapper are biting real well, real close inside Tampa Bay.  Trolling "Mann's" stretch 30+ plugs (chartreuse) on 20 to 30 lb. test or 50 lb. "Power Pro" line along the edges of the Skyway channel on both sides of the bridge.    The Tampa channel all the way up to D cut off of Ruskin, and the sides of the Port Manatee channel have proved quite productive for gags.  Remember to stay clear of the Skyway Bridge.  The Coast Guard is patrolling the Skyway Bridge very closely, as well as heavily armed.  You don't want them (the Coast Guard) to confuse you with a terrorist.  In the event you do not have down riggers to troll with, you can also use a #3 planer, 20 ft. with 80 to 100 lb. test and a gold, long "A Bomber" as a good old standby.  Other grouper lures that are working well are a  #5 "Clark Squid Spoon" or "Bubba's" 4 oz. jig with 6" to 8" twister tail in pink metal flake or chartreuse metal flake.

Capt. Larry reports a couple of wreck trips.  

03/16/03 I guided Bill Macksons' fishing club out to a wreck in 110 ft. of water.  We started out catching our limit of amber jack to 60+ lb. on diamond jigs, 4 oz. jig heads and chartreuse tigershad tails from Turner Marine.  What was really fun was using a heavy-duty offshore top water "chugger plug" and having a school of AJ's attack it on the surface.   I was working that chugger plug and a big AJ hit it, and I handed it to Jan Gregoire.  She played it a long time on 30 lb. test, and it turned out to be a 60+ lb. AJ!  The lady caught the biggest fish of the day!!  After we caught our limit of AJ's (plus many others we threw back), we started fishing for snapper.  We were using 30 lb. test line, 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader, 1/0 bronze hooks ("Owners" or "Mustad" all around hooks #92671).  We found that live shrimp worked best.  We also tried using cut sardines, and squid.   When the snapper bite stopped, we had 27 mangrove snappers, a 3 lb. yellow tail snapper, lots of laine snapper, several porgies, & a few nice margates.  One of the hazards of fishing wrecks for snapper is that we caught a lot of AJ's on the snapper rods using shrimp too!

When I met Bill Mackson, he had gotten my name as a referral from a local tackle store to try me out for a charter.  We met for an interview.  He told me that he wanted 6 trips this winter for him and his friends.  They had been fishing party boats for years, and wanted to try a private charter.  He specified that he did not want a "grunt trip."  I assured him that's not the case when you go fishing with me; those (grunts) can be caught off of the Skyway Fishing Pier.  Our first few trips we caught 20 lb. gag grouper, sharks, big king fish, and I demonstrated how to catch mangrove snapper.  He said he never knew they were available.  Presently, most of my high snapper catches, Bill has been on, and he has caught most of them!  Bill has truly mastered "the snapper touch."  In order to catch snapper, you have to let the snapper have it, and pull down on the rod, and  allow him  (the snapper) to hook himself.  That is "the s