There have been numerous wahoo, tuna and dolphin caught in 250-350 feet of water over the past 10 days. The fish have been caught on trolling lures and on flat lines put out when bottom fishing. The live baits of choice have been Spanish sardines and bluerunners.
Red grouper and mangrove snapper have been steady in 90-135 feet. For red grouper find an area of Swiss cheese bottom, look for large bait stacks on your recorder and drop on the bait stacks. Usually you will find one or two large grouper per stack. Mangrove snapper are holding on the ledges; you can chum them to the top by using a chum bag and cut pieces of sardines. Tease them with chunks; do not overfeed them.
Wrecks and reefs in 40-70 feet are holding black-tip sharks. Because of their size, use a medium rod and reel capable of holding 300 yards of 40-pound line. Use 4-6 feet of No. 6 wire and a long shank 8/0 hook. Anchor upcurrent of the reef or wreck and start chumming; place a large bluerunner back in the slick. Often the black tips will leap out of the water when hooked, providing not only a great fight tackle but a visual treat.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite II out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or contact by e-mail at capt@megabitecharters.com
