(Gulf Rigs continued from page 15) each species comes with a specific set of fishing regulations sometimes both federal and state, so research the regulations before leaving the dock.
Tip 3: Be Safe, Be Considerate Because the northern Gulf is known for its summer weather with intense heat and humidity which builds into massive thunderstorms with high winds, blinding rain, dangerous lightning and even waterspouts, you must keep an eye on the horizon. Forecasting services provide up-to-the-minute outlooks for boaters, which when coupled with radar, provides tools for anglers to reduce harm from dangerous weather. A rig’s lee side may provide some shelter, but it’s always best to avoid bad weather entirely when possible. The multi-billion dollar petrochemical industry supplies rigs and wells with crew, supplies, parts and equipment by crew boats, the hundred-footers often found tooling around from rig to rig. Give crew boats the right of way, even if it means pulling up the lines and moving to another rig. Be courteous and steer clear. The amazing diversity of fish species in the upper Gulf provides anglers with an array of fish to target. Producing some of the most prolific fishing in the world. Put the upper Gulf on your angler’s “must fish” bucket list.
Left:Charles Caplinger at the Twelve Mile Rigs aboard Rebellious. Photo by Charlie Caplinger.
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