Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper Coming Back After T.S. Debby

Fishing in July is usually one of my favorites, but T.S. Debbie put a damper on our fishing plans for almost 10 days. Before the storm fishing was beginning to pick up in the 10,000 Islands with good numbers of Snook, Snapper and Redfish caught inshore using live bait and cut bait on the outer islands and in the passes. Pompano and Flounder were in good supply fishing slow moving baits in the sandy bottoms. Offshore was starting to look good as well with the opening of Gag Grouper the 1st of July, There were lots of keeper sized Gags in 20-35 ft. of water off Marco. Since the storm the bait schools have scattered and the fishing has slowed a bit. But we are still catching some Grouper and nice sized Mangrove Snappers on the near shore reefs. Starting into our summer pattern of afternoon showers, so mornings are the best bet to get out and catch some fish.