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Outdoors
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 13, 2003
The unusually cold water and recurring cold fronts this winter have affected normal patterns of bottom fishing in the gulf. Gag grouper move near the shore in 15 to 30 feet of water in search of crustaceans and smaller reef fish, year-round residents unlike temperature-sensitive Spanish sardines and cigar minnows. It appears the cold water has caused the gags to move back out into 60 feet or deeper, where they are reluctant to feed some days.
An overlooked species that is not affected by cold water and is, in fact, in prespawn condition and aggressively feeding is the flounder. Mostly considered an inshore fish, flounder are found in most depths and are rarely targeted but caught incidentally. When targeting grouper and snapper it is necessary to fish directly on the structure. Flounder lie buried next to the structure, and boat position must be adjusted accordingly.
Small pinfish and jigs are baits of choice when targeting flounder. Use only enough weight to get to the bottom. Bait movement to cover territory is necessary, and No. 20 spinning or bait-casting tackle is the norm. Pinfish should be hooked through the lips so they will look natural when slowly dragged along the bottom. Jigs should be simply dragged in the sand back to the structure.
-- Capt. Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach and can be reached at (727) 397-8815 or by e-mail at Luckytoo2@aol.com.