It is Dec.31 and though the weather has been cool, the grouper bite is hot. Within the past week we caught keepers in depths from 36-140 feet. The fish in shallower water preferred cut bait while in 90-foot plus they were looking for live pinfish or croakers.
Bait has moved into depths of 25-35 feet over areas of hard bottom. The easiest way to find the right area is to look around the stone crab buoy lines. On Monday we found bait stack after bait stack as we motored up and down these lines of traps while watching our bottom machine.
Numerous shrimp boats are working from Tarpon Springs to Sarasota. The ones we have found are working in 80-90 feet of water. As they continue to work the area and move into deeper water, 120-140 feet, the blackfin count should go up.
The amberjack bite continues to be good on offshore wrecks and springs. They are eating aggressively when presented large baits such as blue runners or spadefish.
The new year is a good time to check safety equipment. Check when your flares and fire extinguisher need to be replaced. Upgrade life jackets to Type1 and add flashing lights so you can be found at night if you're in trouble. Most important, check the battery and hydrostatic releases on your emergency equipment and life rafts to make sure they work.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
