Over the past week there have been numerous changes in the Gulf of Mexico that affect fish movement. The water temperature has risen almost 10 degrees. There have been many late-evening thunderstorms. Last but not least, we experienced a full moon with a lunar eclipse.
The water temperature change has been dramatic, hovering at 85-88 degrees offshore. This has caused many species to move to deeper, cooler water.
The warmer water has brought blue water pelagics closer to shore. On Wednesday while anchored next to a shrimp boat, we had blackfin tuna, bonita, black tip sharks and one large wahoo in our chum slick about 35 miles west/northwest of Pass-a-Grille. Later in the same area, Capt. Chris Clark on the Mega Bite also caught more than 50 dolphin.
Kingfish still are being caught in 60 feet of water near the shipping channel. Gag grouper, red snapper and mangrove snapper have been biting in 170-190 feet. Lots of big amberjacks are swimming on the offshore wrecks.
Threadfin bait pods have been holding in 18-30 feet of water around inlets and channel markers. White bait, sardines, threadfins, blue runners and pinfish also have been in shallow, hard-bottom areas close to the beach. The easiest way to find them is to watch for diving birds, then use your bottom machine to find the clouds of bait.
Inshore, tarpon up to 170 pounds are being caught on the outgoing tide around the bridges. Tarpon beach fishing has been good but frustrating. Because of the 100-foot no-boat restriction around the Sunshine Skyway, more people are trying their luck at casting to the pods of tarpon found rolling near the beaches.
Redfish are schooling to feed around the oyster bars and mangrove islands on the last hour of the incoming through the first hour of the outgoing tides. The fish are skittish, so a quiet approach is essential.
Snook are catch and release only. Nighttime fishing around the lighted docks and bridges has been phenomenal using live white bait and pinfish.
Trout can be caught on the 3- to 5-foot grass flats working the edges of the potholes. The largest trout are being taken on large top-water plugs early in the morning or just before sunset.
Keep an eye on the weather. Afternoon thunderstorms now are common and can appear suddenly with dangerous lightning strikes well away from the main storm.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call (727) 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
