BlueWater Outriggers Fishing Report 5-15-2026
Just the other day I was walking back to my truck after having paid for gas and snacks when an older lady, obviously in a panic, waved me down. She was parked at the pump opposite of me. “Is this real gas in here?” She asked. It took me a moment to find my words; I wasn’t sure if she was serious or what the situation was, exactly. After surveying the scene a little more, it dawned on me what was going on. There were two sets of pumps, and she didn’t know which one to use. She explained how her husband had passed recently, and he had always been the one to pump their gas. I kindly explained to her that the pumps with the green handle in most cases dispensed diesel, and that she needed to use the pump with the black handle. She thanked me profusely and I went on my way. When I had time to reflect on the situation, I thought how extremely odd it seemed to me that someone wouldn’t know which gas pump to use. And while it seemed like the perfect moment to think of something cynical, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I mean, who am I to judge? You don’t know what you don’t know; that’s all there is to it.
It later dawned on me that I have customers like this every single day of the week at Bluewater Outriggers. And let me tell you folks; there is no judgement. In fact, they are my favorite type of customer. They come in from out of town and want to try their hand at saltwater fishing but have no clue how to do it. By the time I’m done with them, they have every bit of the right gear and just as much chance as anyone to catch a lasting memory. More often than not, that customer will come back during their vacation and tell us all about their catch.
When I pulled into my spot under the Tapper bridge, my anxiety started to skyrocket because there were two other cars there. I quickly took in my surroundings and saw that one person was crabbing, no big deal, and the other was re-tying a hook. Even from 75 ft away I saw the small plastic fluke the gentleman was putting on and said, “This guy knows what he’s doing.” I was in a hurry to get to my spot and hastily unloading my son’s required toys when the gentleman approached me and said, “You may not remember me, but you sold me all this stuff the other day.” Immediately, my sense of competitiveness dissipated, and we started a friendly conversation. He informed me he had been wearing the trout out in the mornings on the high tide and thanked me for all the tips. He’d even caught some reds and a flounder. It brought a smile to my face to know I contributed to his good time, and I only judged him slightly for standing in my spot.
The inshore fishing is picking up. More trout, more reds; you name it. I even had a reliable source tell me there’s a good flounder bite over in Mexico Beach. The offshore bite is hot with the approach of Red Snapper season right on us. Just look at the monster above that Captain Jake had to release a few days ago!
Red Snapper officially starts Friday, May 22! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an absolute rookie, Bluewater Outriggers can outfit you from the ground up. We have the newest and best rods and reels. We just received a shipment of cigar minnows, and our lead weights and hooks are stocked to the brim. Whatever it is you’re chasing out there; we have you covered. I look forward to seeing you; Happy Fishing!
-Jeremiah Beasley