The bad news: It was difficult to get offshore last week because of weather. The good news: The bad weather should push more fish into our area over the next several days. The water Friday was dirty past 115 feet and bait was scarce, but by today the east breeze should help clear the water off the beaches and bait should move into the 20-foot depths.
Gag grouper and snapper have been caught in 35-60 feet. The dead bait of choice has been a combo of sardines and squid, more effective than either by itself.
Schools of Spanish mackerel are working in 60-70 feet and can be found by watching for birds feeding on scraps.
The amberjack bite is strong on wrecks in more than 100 feet. These fish also move around because of weather, and we found a school of 40-pound-plus fish on an artificial reef in 40 feet.
The shrimp boat fleet slowly is moving back into the area and can be seen steaming northwest from the ships channel. The fleet has not started working areas south of the channel but should by early December. When that happens the blackfin bite will be intense.
This time of year the weather can change dramatically in a few hours, with the wind going from a slight breeze to more than 20 mph. Always get a weather report before you go, but keep an eye on changing weather patterns and act prudently.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
