Naples Area Clubs Dry Tortugas Fishing Expedition

Our many thanks to the Windstar Fishing Club & the Marco Fishing Clubs from the Naples/Ft. Myers area in their quest to "stomp the fish boxes" & win the largest edible fishing contest in their recent Dry Tortugas fishing trip overnight aboard the Emily Anne with Adventure Watersport Charters out of Key West.

Dry Tortugas Fishing

Fishing the Dry Tortugas
Mahi on the troll

The first team ended up with several large Mahi-Mahi, Red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail, Cero Mackerel, not to mention the good sixed Barracuda, Trigger fish, and an ice box full of Big Lane Snapper. Steve caught the largest 28” Red Grouper, Tom caught the largest Mahi-Mahi at 30”, and a 21” Mutton Snapper, and Mike caught the largest at 19” Lane Snapper. Jerry, Hansen, Clyde all caught Mahi-Mahi, Red Grouper, and one after another Yellow Tail to 24”.

Both Captains Jack and Brian took turns cooking great meals and putting out snacks, while also working constantly putting fish in the ice boxes, cutting more bait, and repairing rigs. The food was great, the fishing constant once we hit our spots, the companionship really fun, with a lot of laughs. 

 

The second team couldn't refuse the challenge from team #1 in the largest fish contest between the boats. When all was said and done, the 2 teams caught over 16 different species of fish with Ken (team #2) winning the largest edible fish with his 43 1/2 inch Wahoo. Ken also boated a real nice black Fin Tuna, while Ed's 49 inch Barracuda didn't qualify as an edible fish even though the locals eat them here in Key West. Keith caught the other nice Wahoo along with the 37" Mahi, while Don reeled in the 35" Mahi. Eric fought a large fish, for 2.5 hrs only to finally cut the line on the monster mystery fish. He also boated a very nice mutton snapper. Turk developed a knack for catching Yellow Tail as he slammed fish after fish into the cooler aided by the rest of the team. Overall a true adventurous, unique, and memorable fishing trip. All in all, everyone, all 12 of us, had a memorable trip with lots of laughs, good times, and fish caught by all. It was a great trip!