BlueWater Outriggers Fishing Report 5-2-2026
Friday evening I pulled up to my spot beneath the Tapper Bridge. Storms were rolling in all around, but I figured I had a good two hours before the bottom fell out. The tide was the lowest I had seen in a very long while, and there was very little movement in the current. I knew these conditions were not conducive to good fishing, but I couldn’t help myself; I had to be there. The water beckoned to me just as the red glowing letters BAR might beckon to an alcoholic who had a bad day. I took my first cast...nothing. A slight drizzle started, that when combined with the wind, made me chilled to the core. Another cast...nothing. And so it went. Cast after cast, it was the same result. I just stood there, wet, cold, miserable, trying to prove something to someone or myself. I then thought of my little boy back at home all cozy and warm and decided my time would be better off spent with him on the floor playing with Hot Wheels. I really patted myself on the shoulder for making the decision to leave and be the best Dad I could possibly be. High on my warm and fuzzy dad feelings, I loaded my gear into the warm, dry truck and had another thought. Would I have made the same decision if the fish were biting?
The answer to that question is heck no! Who do you think I am, Andy Taylor? I would have stayed there until the cows came home! That evening was just a product of bad timing. The trout bite has actually been quite good, and I’ve managed to catch half a dozen or so on most evenings (see above left). From what I’m hearing and seeing, I think it’s safe to say the trout are starting to make their way back in the bay.
The pompano are now making their run in our area. I would be remiss if I were not to mention the award winning, Surf Angler of the month, Michael D. Smith. In just 4 brief outings, Mr. Smith (above center), has caught an amazing 21 Pompano, 17 of which were keeping size. While others are doing well themselves, I think it’s safe to say that Michael has got it going on! I tried to reach out to Michael for further comment but was informed he had no time for an interview because of all the press he’s receiving. If you’re into pompano fishing, now’s the time to get out there and make it happen; the run is on!
In offshore news, the bite is on as well. Gary Meyer took a crew of three to a depth around 160 feet and loaded up with 7 keeper red grouper and everyone got keeper triggers. Captain Jake Harpe did some trolling, and they were unable to keep the AJs off the line. They switched up and dropped to the bottom where they were able to get some monster porgies and beeliners as well. The red snapper out there are big, hungry and plentiful according to many. We’ll just have to bide our time until they’re legal for the taking.
Bluewater’s own, Terry Gizesky, lives up on the creek and took his kayak out for some freshwater action. On one trip he had a mess of 12 crappie, a bass, a catfish, a gar, three mudfish, and a black nose crappie seen (above right). Terrys got it going on when it comes to fishing the creek, so stop in and give him a visit for some pointers. You won’t meet a nicer fellow than Terry!
The water is warming up, and the fish are getting active, everywhere. If you’ve been holding out on fishing for one reason or another, now’s the time to make a move and get bowed up with a monster.
-Jeremiah Beasley