BlueWater Outriggers Fishing Report 12-27-2025
Well folks, it’s two days after Christmas here in our little fishing town of Port Saint Joe, Florida. On my way in to work this morning at the Bluewater Outriggers I couldn’t help but notice all the trash cans in front of the neighborhood houses. Wouldn’t you know it, there wasn’t one trash can whose lid was flush, rather, they were all sticking high in the air resting atop mounds of cardboard toy boxes and spent wrapping paper. I couldn’t help but think back to the months of planning and hours of thought that went into making my little boy's Christmas the best he could imagine. Between the presents I had him, and the gifts given by the Durens (Bluewater owners) and the many generous friends I’ve made working here, my living room looked like an Amazon fulfillment center. Having woke up early to prepare the much-needed coffee and breakfast fare, I took a look around and thought to myself, “He’ll be unwrapping presents until the New Year.” Folks, all the planning, all the thought and all the gifts were no match for my four-year-old (above center). That little Texas tornado blew through everything in about 4 minutes flat.
Speaking of planning, the bay has continued to be a bit of a downer for those that had traveled to our bay for the trout and red fishing that is usually on fire at this time. Over two evenings I’ve tried going to the marina wall and have left without even the smallest strike. I spoke with several other fishermen down there (some using live shrimp) and they had no luck as well. On the bright side, mullet have returned to the basin and I even noticed a small school of baitfish. I’m hoping this is the first step in fish coming back after the horrible red tide we’ve been having. My friend Travis Wilkes came into town and took his boat on a reconnaissance mission through the bay. He reported the water was crystal clear, but he saw no trout. He told me he passed 6 dead red fish but at another spot saw a big school of live, nice sized reds. Having no luck with fish in the bay, Travis carried his boat to Overstreet and fished the bends with deeper water. Here he was able to hook up with trout, but they were on the smaller end. He managed to get a red as well (above left). Quite a few customers that came into Bluewater to purchase live shrimp reported a good redfish bite out at the stump hole on Cape San Blas. There were reports of Bonnethead sharks mixed in there too.
Offshore fishing has remained hot as always. Anglers are reeling them in at depths of 80ft all the way out to the deep drops. Captain Jake Harpe runs out deep to the 200-300ft range then works his way in. Just yesterday he reported “slaying” the fish and he has the photos to prove it (above right). They filled the boat with Red Snapper, Red Grouper, Vermillion, Porgys, Triggers, Mangroves, and a nice Yellowtail Snapper. It was indeed an impressive haul!
That’s going to wrap things up for this week folks. I sincerely hope your holidays were as good as mine; it’s been fun going through them together with you. Have a blessed New Year and I’ll be back with you in 2026!
-Jeremiah Beasley