Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Report 7-10-2026
After a series of last-minute decisions made Monday afternoon, midnight was fast approaching and I found myself sitting somewhat anxiously astern in PSJ local, Dennis Fitch's boat. Stevie Sewell had taken the helm and kept us on course to one of his spots as we plowed through the dark waves of the Gulf about fifty miles offshore. Full disclosure, I was nervous, and my thoughts kept going back to my little boy tucked safe in his bed. And while continuously asking myself, "What the hell did I get myself into?" I was simultaneously in awe of how surreal the situation was. From where I sat, I could reach out and touch the surface of the water that plummeted 150 ft deep below us. Jimmy Page's intro to Stairway to Heaven came over the stereo, and I as looked to port the Big Dipper looked to be physically within reach. The glittered starlight on the ocean's surface would sporadically reveal a flying fish or passing squid. The moment was truly dream-like, yet I was awake as I have ever been.
It's funny how little decisions we make during the course of a day can have such a profound effect on us. Had I said, "No," to Stevie's invitation to go fishing that evening, I most likely would have gone home, cooked some butter noodles for the boy, watched some National Geographic type show on the TV, and called it a day. Instead, I found myself plum in the middle of nature at its finest and gained a memory that will last a lifetime. Besides the array of wonderous sea creatures I beheld with my own eyes, we pulled up a good variety from the depths. We loaded the box with red snapper, mangroves, vermillion, red grouper, porgies, and a mahi (seen above right). Stevie Sewell has been having good luck with the red grouper, and you can see him holding a good one he got earlier that week (second from right). Most of these fish were taken at a depth of around 140 to 150 ft. There were no issues with sharks out that far. To Dennis Fitch and Stevie Sewell, I would like to offer my deepest thanks for that wonderful opportunity!
Finding my usual inshore spot at the Tapper Bridge going a bit stale, I returned to my old stomping grounds at the PSJ Marina this last week. I threw my net on some small pinfish and used them as bait. With a ¾ oz rubber-core sinker and a #6 circle hook I was able to toss the little fish over to the jetties and was pleasantly surprised to find some mangrove snapper and small gags that would give me a good tug. Fishing the same spot, Jack Caputo hooked into a nice black drum last Thursday. He can be seen with his catch (above left). Congratulations, Jack; that's one for the picture book!
I hope everyone had fun and stayed safe on the 4th of July. Thank you to the City of Port Saint Joe for a wonderful fireworks show. My little one can be seen (second from left) enjoying the display. Speaking of fireworks, you might say it’s as hot as a firecracker outside. If you can stand the heat, the fish are biting, so get out there and make it happen; Just make sure you’re well hydrated. This coming weekend will be good for inshore and offshore anglers alike. I look forward to telling you all about it next week, in the Bluewater Outriggers fishing report.
-Jeremiah Beasley