![]() We hit the water in early July.ĭ’Antuono fires up the Suzukis, and we head out into the Gulf. On the Gulf, the season for charter captains ran June 1 to Aug. Trying to clear the schedules of six guys to fit within a three-day window is nearly impossible. This year, the Atlantic recreational red snapper season in federal waters more than three miles from shore was a whopping three days: July 9, 10 and 11. The last few years, we’ve fished for reds in the Gulf of Mexico rather than the Atlantic, mostly because of scheduling. Powered by a pair of 350-hp Suzukis, the boat is awash in charter-boat charm. The helm is set up with a side console, and rather than a seat, D’Antuono sits on the edge of a massive fishbox. The console was removed to open up space under the deck to store dive tanks. ![]() D’Antuono is in his mid-30s and has a mellow way about him, but he works hard to put fish on the deck of his 32-foot Contender, which he customized for diving and bottom fishing. He’s an expert spearfisherman, but he also fishes with rod and reel. D’Antuono splits his time above and below the water. It’s the perfect fishery for casual anglers, and I’m totally on board with that. ![]() The tackle for red snapper fishing is minimal, and anyone can reel one in. Using the connections I’ve built over the years, I’ll book a charter or reserve space on a reputable headboat. They don’t spend every free moment obsessing about the next tight line, but they enjoy their time on the water as much as the next guy, maybe more because they don’t fish as often. My snapper buddies are not diehard anglers they’re easygoing guys who like to fish and get out for maybe a few trips each year. Red snapper season is a great time to gather the crew for a trip into the Gulf of Mexico.Pat Ford The upcoming adventure is a great diversion. You can spend a couple of hours at your workbench decompressing as you tie leaders or spool a reel. That mark on the calendar is something to look forward to when the school calls to say your kid got into a spat and is sitting in the principal’s office. I’ve never been much of a hunter, but after a few years fishing for reds with the same group of guys, I can understand why hunters always look forward to opening day. The only time we know we’ll definitely be together is during the summer, when red snapper season is open, the kids are out of school and the desire to get on the water is at its crescendo. An occasional text or comment on social media helps us stay in touch, but weeks, sometimes months fly by without a handshake or the clink of a bottle. Life keeps us running at increasing speeds as we try to keep the wheels on the bus. ![]() citizen, married one of my wife’s good friends he entered the circle a few years ago. And Kevin, a South African who is now a U.S. Super Dave is the manager of a carpet-cleaning business. My best friend Steve works in the procurement department for a big defense contractor. There’s my buddy Rob, a printer salesman, and his 16-year-old son Aiden, who is now 4 inches taller than me and an offensive lineman on his high school’s varsity football team. I focus on opening day and planning a red snapper trip with friends.Īlthough we all live within a 25-mile radius, I ponder how I rarely see these guys anymore as we push two tables together on the deck of The Parrot Bar and Grill in Naples, Florida. It’s easy to get bogged down in the miscalculated catch limits and overreaching commercial influence, but I try to tune out some of that noise. Wading through the data and brouhahas that spark like wildfires each year is akin to moderating a political debate. ![]() Like other species that make fine tablefare, red snapper is highly regulated. Snapper season extended more than a couple of weekends, and you could put some fish in the cooler without regulations and seasons that seemingly change with each flip of the calendar. When I first started fishing for red snapper, the species was not entangled in the mess of red tape that it is these days. Article Courtesy: | Originally Published: | Click here for original article ![]()
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