This week's grouper fishing has been spectacular. Trips with Scott Konger out of Tarpon Springs on Monday and Tuesday yielded more than 150 keeper grouper, at least 30 of which were 15 pounds or heavier, the largest tipping the scale at 22.
Frozen Spanish sardines proved to be sufficient, but most of the large fish were caught on palm-sized cutbaits.
Half of a ladyfish - the half with the head - worked best, and the belly section of a mullet proved to be a treat for large grouper.
When using these types of larger baits, you probably should beef up your tackle. I recommend using 80-pound line on at least a 4/0 reel.
Tighten the drag as much as you can and hold on for dear life.
Inshore fishing around Tarpon Springs is sluggish because of cold water, but one exception has been the outflow of the Anclote power plant. Ladyfish, jack crevalle, permit, pompano, trout, bluefish and mangrove snapper have fed with vigor in the warmer water there.
Casting jigs or shrimp upcurrent and slowly working them back to the boat produced consistent action Christmas morning near the power plant.
The Anclote River and Spring Bayou also hold thousands of ladyfish. On calm days you can see them flicker on the surface.
Though they have no table value, ladyfish almost always provide challenging and acrobatic fights on light tackle. Any type of jig or sinking lure should produce.
The flats have been pretty barren, though that probably will change if the forecast of warmer weather holds true.
Look for redfish and large trout around barrier islands and oyster bars. Floating a shrimp under a weighted cork probably is best. Not only will the cork keep your bait from getting hung on the jagged edges of the oysters, its weight improves casting.
- Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at 727 439-3474 or by e-mail at pkatsare@helios.acomp.usf.edu
