Once again, offshore fishing was halted last week due to the weather. The series of fronts pushed seas close to 10 feet. The forecast for today and Tuesday looks better.
The water near shore has cooled significantly, dipping below 57 degrees. Normally at this time of year, you can troll the edges of the ship channel for grouper when it is too rough to go offshore. But even that bite has slowed. We did catch several fish in the bay but only after anchoring and changing from live pinfish to cut bait. Offshore on Saturday, the temperatures reached above 70 degrees in 130 feet of water. According to Buoy 42036 in the Middle Grounds, the water has fallen off only 5 degrees to about 67. So as the weather clears, look for grouper where the water temperature is 64 or above and the water is clean.
You can expect that to be in about 100 feet. The bite should be good in the warmer pockets as the fish get ready for winter and are not sure when they will be able to eat again. The offshore wrecks are loaded with amberjack looking for pinfish or blue runners. They also can be found on large breaks and springs.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
