05-27-2001, 03:24 PM
Captain Dave Hanson of Fishbuster Charters fished 11 miles off Bonita Beach, at Bonita's artificial reefs, and in Estero Bay this week, using light tackle and live shrimp, tomats, and crabs. Our clients caught and released gag grouper to 21 3/4 inches, just short of the 22" legal size, red grouper to 19 inches, sheepshead and snook. Catches also included keeper-sized Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, triggerfish, mangrove snapper, yellow-tail snapper, grunts, ladyfish, and assorted bottom-fish. There were a couple of exciting fights with jewfish (recently re-named "goliath grouper"): These huge fish bit a 25 inch permit and also a large snapper being reeled to the boat. We also hooked a 125 lb. tarpon on a crab: He jumped twice, then took off! Clients included the following parties: Chris & Lissa Dillon; Bill & Jim Borchert with Bob & Andy; Bruce Bower & Mark Wilson; and Ernie & Mark Kusterer. Find complete info. and recent-catch photos at www.fishbustercharters.com<br><br>Captain Dave Hanson