There's no doubt grouper and hogfish are in shallow water and the visibility is in deeper water. Fishing over chum slicks and smelly baits have been the ticket.
Whether you're an inshore or offshore fisherman/spearfisherman, there are other concerns on the horizon that can affect your sport more than bad weather. Starting in January, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will hold public hearings on related issues. These topics are: hogfish restrictions, grouper restrictions and re-assessment of the Goliath grouper fishery.
One proposal for the hogfish species is to reduce the daily bag limit from five to one, with a revised minimum length of 20 inches.
Whatever your interest, you should find out more about the issues and how to protect your rights. Go to www.fishndive.com or www.gulfcouncil.org for more information.
- Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and freediving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 344-3483.
