Spearfishing has improved the past couple of weeks. I know it sounds simple - find the bait and you'll find the fish - but it's true. We found plenty of good-sized grouper and snapper hiding under the bait on ledges in 30-50 feet of water. You may have to hit several spots to find the fish, but you will be rewarded for your diligence.
The visibility can be good in one area and change to poor when you move a mile away. We were freedive spearfishing in 45 feet and found a few spots that had top-to-bottom visibility.
On another trip, we headed out to depths of 85 feet west of Manatee County and found a cool thermocline. However, the cooler water didn't hold fish and the visibility was poor. We pulled anchor and headed back into 45 feet and had a productive trip.
The two-day spiny lobster sportsman season starts July 30, so get ready. During the past month we have seen big lobster hanging out under some of the gulf's limestone ledges. If you would like to find out how to hunt lobster, learn the laws and where to hunt, check with your local dive shop to enroll in a lobster workshop. Most shops have free workshops to help make your lobster trips safe and rewarding.
- Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and freediving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 344-3483.
