Grouper, mangrove snapper, scamp and American red snapper have gone off in the past week. The offshore waters have cooled 3-4 degrees after the past several storms, improving the fishing and bringing fish closer to shore.
Setting up in 110-120 feet of water and working small to medium breaks has been the key. Grouper are tearing up live threadfins and pinfish. We use 60-pound monofilament on an 8-foot rod with an 80- to 100-pound leader and a 7/0 to 9/0 offset hook. We use a minimal amount of weight and get fewer tangles with dead lead sinkers with swivels on both ends.
Last week we caught several kingfish weighing more than 25 pounds while grouper fishing. All of the fish were caught over rock piles in more than 100 feet of water.
Bait has been abundant along the buoy chains and artificial wrecks. While jigging for bait, keep a rod ready for the cobia hiding under the cans. And carry plenty of sabikis, because Spanish mackerel are here.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
