Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Report 8-14-2026

      When Gary Dunn told Uncle David and me that he had worn out the red grouper, we both looked at each other like, "yeah...right."  I mean, this was Gary Dunn we're talking about here.  The same Gary with a home-made PVC pipe T-top on his little bay boat that calls his brother while you're fishing and makes fun of you in real time like he's working out a set for a stand-up comedy routine.  The same Gary that when you pull up to the boat ramp, like clockwork, will reminisce fondly about the time a good-looking woman in a bikini helped him load the boat on his trailer.  Trust me, if you knew Gary, you'd know why we were a bit skeptical.  I'll admit, I thought to myself, "you've got to be kidding me," when while still in site of land, in this little bay boat I watched Uncle David butterfly a whole croaker and drop it down a short distance to the bottom.  I decided to fish a smaller bait thinking it more appropriate for the situation.  After reeling in a few big grunts, I was satisfied I had made the right decision and was especially proud of myself.  I mean, I knew all along there weren't any big fish that shallow.  While riding my high horse I reached into the cooler for another shrimp, when all of a sudden, out of my peripheral vision, I saw Uncle David's rod bow over and heard the familiar sound of the Saragosa's drag humming as he struggled to get a big fish off the bottom.  When I saw Gary net the 20 plus inch red grouper, I couldn't get a big bait fast enough!  Let me tell you folks, that Gary Dunn is a character, but the man can put you on the fish.  We only had a few hours out there due to weather conditions, but you can see me and our haul in the above photo (left).  And to Captain Gary, if you're reading this, I'm sorry I ever doubted you; you're 4/4 on great fishing trips, and I appreciate every ounce of shade from your home-made T-top.  As for your bikini-clad boat assistant...I'm just plain jealous. 

      This last week we weren't the only ones who had luck out there.  It seems the bite was on.  Captain Jake Harpe had another successful offshore trip and loaded the box with some good red grouper, porgies and some giant triggerfish.  My friend Chip Graddy, from Atlanta, was in town and told me he had been doing well too.  You can see Chip and his nephew, Ben Oswald (above right).  Ben is from Libertyville, Illinois.  I know that must have made his day when Chip put him on that monster Gag!  Congratulations, Ben!   

      I personally had very little luck with my inshore fishing this last week.  I'm going to try to get in touch with Lane Hodges, the young man with the flounder in the center photo above.  Lane is from Headland, Alabama and he obviously knows what he's doing when it comes to fishing the Mexico Beach canal.  Lane, you're going to have to show me how to land a doormat like that!   

     Despite the heat, it's been a good week for fishing!  The proof is in the pictures.  Captain Jake and I are already scheming how we're going to get out of work to fish the opening day of Gag Grouper in September.  We've worked hard at Bluewater Outriggers to make sure we have everything you need for your upcoming trip, so please stop in and see us and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.  

I hope to see you out there,

Jeremiah Beasley