Salty Schnauzer. Odd name for a boat, unless your name is Brandon and you own two. The boat, a thirty-five-foot everglade powered by twin 350 Yamahas gets to the fish fast. The sea, stars, moon and tides were in line for a try for big snappers. Brandon, a member of the Kelly fishing club, rounds up the fishermen.

The Schnauzer docks at Sandpiper Cove with a dozen other boats. The other boats sit quietly; no one else is there. We arrive before sunrise, all geared up with rods and sharp knives at our belts. Charlie, Kevin, Kenny, Joe, and I complete the crew with our Captain Brandon. 

It’s a pleasant day, calm seas with a few clouds showing their red bottoms over the rising sun. The tide is falling as we back out of the slip. The trip though the harbor shows a few boats heading out with some gulls following. Through the pass, we enter the Gulf of America. The ripple of the outgoing tide is dappled with bait fish. Sabiki rods out, cigar minnows fly into the live well and we head out for snapper. 

Sixty minutes later we are thirty miles out in 250 feet of water. Rods go over the side, the boat shudders as they keep us over the wreck below. Sharp hooks with shaking minnows speed down under a pound of lead. It doesn’t take long before shouts of “fish on!” ring out. Snappers come over the rail and flop onto the deck waiting to be put on ice. The limit is reached before even one beer is downed. 

The cruise back through a sea that is rippled with small rills relaxes the senses. The wind cools us as the Emerald Grand breaks the horizon. Through the pass we go, dolphins breaking the surface around us. We come to an idle and soak up the fresh air and scenery. A few can tops snap open as the boat loafs into the harbor. Brandon is all smiles as another great trip comes to an end. 

Come join us. Contact Richard Miles club President for information. ramiles6067@gmail.com