2011 an interesting year for fishing

Posted Dec 30, 2011 by Tribune Sports

Updated Dec 30, 2011 at 06:49 PM

BY BILLY NOBLES

With 2011 drawing to a close, what a year to remember. Changes in fisheries, rebounds of fisheries — what an interesting year. The sea trout are doing exceptionally well with large catches coming in daily. Live baits are working great but the real deal is artificials. Whether it’s the Mirro Lure Mirro dine, little john, or my favorite Mirro Lure, The Paul Brown Original, or DOA’s CAL, or world renowned shrimp. There are several other baits — The Berkley Gulp, Love Lures — you just have to find your personal favorite and run with it. One thing I am really glad to see is there are steady catches of pompano around the mouth of the bay. Talk about good eats; man, they are hard to beat.

Offshore, the grouper bite remains on fire for both red and gag. Gags are closed for some reason. It’s the same reason that our red fisheries opened and we receive a four-fish limit; bad science, but I digress. The kings are still around with surface water temps in the low 70s to high 60s. The amberjack and snapper bites remain on fire around several of the near shore and offshore wrecks; there is no finer light tackle action on the planet.

Remember those times on the water that made 2011 a memorable year for you and yours, and keep those memories close.