Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Outdoors

Daily fishing report

Despite the calendar, it's spring-time in the Gulf of Mexico. In other words, the only place we're consistently catching fish is on the springs. These billowing spots, in 100-170 feet of water 40-70 miles southwest of Pass-a-Grille, provide warmth and attract food for predators. Recent trips have produced 80-pound amberjack and 10-pound black grouper.

Drift the springs and use your motor only to reposition for another pass. This eliminates having to pull an anchor and allows several boats to fish the same spot.

For amberjack and grouper, fish live pinfish or blue runners on 50-pound tackle with an 80-pound leader, a 6- to 8-ounce weight and a 12/0 circle hook. Their shape might not look like they can catch fish, but circle hooks will give you a better hookup rate if used properly. On the strike, reel steadily until the line tightens, and the hook will slide to the corner of the fish's mouth for a secure hold and easy removal.

Black grouper often will rise from the bottom to investigate the commotion of a hooked amberjack, so it's not uncommon to catch grouper 50 feet above the structure. This time of year, being flexible and taking what Mother Nature offers is essential to a successful trip.

-- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call (727) 384-5729 or by e-mail at capt@megabitecharters.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright