Grouper fishing remains steady at 50 feet. Even with the drastic drop in water temperature, decent numbers have been located. The warm weather has kept the winds down, allowing anglers to get in a full day. Giving each spot only 30 minutes enables numerous rocks and ledges to be worked. We have been hitting the jackpot once a day, when five-plus keepers are snatched from a location. Otherwise, plan on picking through several undersized fish before a big one grabs the bait. Water is in the 50s for most of the 10-mile ride to the 50-foot mark. Surface temperature gauges are reading a tolerable 60 degrees. The water along the bottom must be slightly warmer since many grouper are eager to bite at several spots. Once hooked, the big ones don't have the strength they had a month ago, so we haven't broken off too many. Each day the weather is in the 70s, the fishing will improve. Some of the areas within the 50-foot mark might start to produce if the water temperature increases. Dead sardines are the bait of choice, with live baits a close second.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276 or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
