January and February have proved to be the best for amberjack, grouper, mangrove snapper and blackfin tuna.
Most trips have targeted snapper and gag grouper southwest of John's Pass because they have been plentiful and relatively close to the coast. We have concentrated on depths of 45-55 feet and have caught 8-12 gags per trip.
On our most recent trip, however, we decided to check out depths of 65 feet and more west of John's Pass. Much to our disappointment we caught only one keeper grouper and a few mangrove snapper.
The water south of Egmont Channel is 10 degrees warmer than that west of John's Pass.
After numerous stops in 65-95 feet we determined we must have shot past the fish and were too deep. We caught a lot of short grouper on dead bait with very little action on live pinfish and grunts. We ran across two shrimp boats in 90 feet or more, but both boats were moving and we decided not to waste time trying for tuna.
An interesting side note: We ran across huge schools of Spanish sardines 18 miles offshore on our way back to port. If you are fortunate enough to run across schools of Spanish sardines, take the time to fill your livewells, as this time of year they work extremely well for mangrove snapper and gag grouper.
You can target any shipwreck in 80-130 feet and expect to catch good amberjack. Large, live baits such as pinfish and grunts keep anglers busy.
Expect to catch tuna near shrimp boats in 90-130 feet. Most of the shrimpers have been southwest of John's Pass in 130 feet.
- Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call 727 709-9396 or e-mail him at huffyl@tampabay.rr.com
