Keep the Bottom Bite Going 🎣
Red snapper and gag grouper may be closed, but the fish box doesn't have to stay empty. Capt. Eric McPherson shows us how to catch the other bottom species still open on our reefs and wrecks:
- Mangrove, lane, vermilion and yellowtail snapper
- Triggerfish, black sea bass and porgies
- Rainbow runners, sheepshead and more
Meet Capt. Eric McPherson ⚓
Eric is a USCG 100-Ton Master Captain, founder of Florida Saltwater Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach, and founder and Show Director of the Florida Fishing Expo. After fishing from the Bahamas to Costa Rica, he chose New Smyrna Beach as home, where lagoons, nearshore reefs and offshore water are all a short run apart.
He runs private inshore, nearshore and offshore trips out of New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet, with a perfect 5.0-star rating on FishingBooker and Google. Each summer he runs a private sportfisher to the Bahamas after marlin and sailfish, covering everything from tailing reds in a foot of water to billfish 40 miles out.
Record Holder 🏆
- Halifax Sport Fishing Club yellowtail snapper record: 6.18 lbs, breaking a mark that stood for more than a decade
- The only angler in over 10 years to complete an inshore slam in club competition
Florida Fishing Expo 🎪
Eric founded the Expo in 2025 to bring anglers, families and the fishing industry together at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. The 2026 show hosted 106 exhibitors, and the third annual Expo runs April 17–18, 2027.
"Capt. Eric worked hard in tough conditions to put us on fish." — Jerry H., FishingBooker
Also at the Meeting 📣
- Fall Inshore Slam awards: we'll present the awards for the 2026 CFSA Fall Inshore Slam
- November shirt special: tournament long sleeve performance shirts are $10 each or 3 for $25 at the meeting
- Bring a friend: get 2 free raffle tickets for bringing a guest, or 10 for bringing in a new member
Grab a plate, bring a buddy, and come learn how to keep the bottom bite going all season. See you there! 🌊
