Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Report 6-12-2026
It’s funny how every generation goes through their own fad words or phrases. I’m now old enough to know that I date myself with some of the phrases I choose to use in my everyday lingo. I remember the first (and the last) time my four-year-old called me, “bro.” He learned very quickly and frighteningly how much I despise the use of this word in today’s generation. I explained to him that the only word to use for me is, “dad,” and if he absolutely must come up with a “cool” word to use for his buddies, “dude” would be acceptable, but certainly not preferable. When I was in my thirties, managing a large .com camera dealership, one of the younger employees said I handled a certain situation, “like a boss.” It was the first time I had heard that popular phrase, and to the younger employee’s horror (I’m sure), I started using it.
As you all know, Bluewater Outriggers hosted a fishing day for the employees this last week. Lee Duren, one of Bluewater’s owners and operators, passed muster proving that not only is he like a boss in the store, but he’s “like a boss” behind the wheel of his fishing boat as well. With ripping currents and no spot-lock, Lee was able to put everyone on some fish right from the start. Those of us that grew up doing this know that is not an easy task, and I’ve been on many a trip where holding the boat over a spot could not be accomplished. We headed out to around 150’ to start the day and even with 10oz leads the current was ripping our lines out. He put us on the fish though and we were able to load up with red snapper. Jake was there as well and between helping folks rig up, he landed a monster gag. It was just hard to get a good smile on Jake’s face for any photo; he was still a bit sore from the results of the Pinfish Pro-Am we had the day before the trip. You can see me with a snapper (above left) and Captain Lee and the crew (above right). The trip went off without a hitch; everyone put fish in the boat, and all in all, it was a great day.
There’s plenty to be said for local inshore fishing as well. There’s been a run on Tarpon gear this last week in the store as many anglers are spotting these bad boys in high numbers within the bay. I heard an absolute heartbreaker of a story involving a 150 lb tarpon that was almost landed on 15 lb test after a long and arduous battle. But in the end, the tarpon prevailed as they notoriously seem to do. I’m still getting trout and red fish at my usual spots under the big bridge. Mr. John Weeks, a nice gentleman I’ve run into while fishing, and while working in the store, has been slaying some monster trout tossing live shrimp from the shoreline on Mexico Beach. Check out the lunker he landed just several days ago (above center). An excellent catch to say the least, congratulations John!
There’s no better time than now to get out there and make it happen. The weather is nice, and the fish are hungry. It’s time to get a line in the water, my friends!
-Jeremiah Beasley