Finally, a decent push of grouper is migrating our way. For months we've struggled with the tasty bottom dwellers, but this past week started to produce decent amounts of red grouper in 80, 90 and 100 feet. A smattering of gag grouper and mangrove snapper can be added to the day's catch.
Working the edges of the limestone bottom and the sand dunes is working best. If a bait stack can be found at these locations you'll find a few big fire trucks (red grouper over 13 pounds). Sixty-pound line with at least 80-pound leader will get the job done.
Even depths of 50 and 60 feet are starting to produce gags and reds. The gags are predominant and can be found over hard-bottom areas holding schools of juvenile glass minnows and pilchards. Numerous undersized fish are present, so bring lots of bait. If a hook gets lodged deep inside the throat of these undersized fish, cut the leader close to the hook, leaving it with the fish. Its chance of survival is better by letting the hook dissolve rather than ripping it out.
Last week clients visiting from Manhattan landed five tarpon off Indian Rocks Beach. They were found teaming with Spanish mackerel attacking glass minnow schools. Tossing a pinfish or threadfin herring in the vicinity of the feeding silver kings got immediate results.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
