Offshore fishing is heating up as we move into spring conditions. Days are getting longer and the gulf is warming daily. South of Egmont Channel, water has reached 68 degrees. Baitfish are packing about every reef and wreck from the south county reef down. Excellent catches of grouper and mangrove snapper are more the norm and should only get better.
Amberjacks continue to provide big action on wrecks and springs southwest of John's Pass. Large live bait is the key to catching big amberjacks. If you can find bluerunners, you will have no trouble getting jacks to chew. Most of our action has been in 110 feet and deeper.
Blackfin tuna action is heating up as the shrimp fleet makes its spring migration north. Live bait free-lined off shrimpers' transom is the ticket. Live Spanish sardines work best for us; however, I've seen a few captains use live sea perch fished deep. A technique that works about half the time is to start a chum line by chunking Spanish sardines while anchored over a wreck or spring fishing for grouper and snapper. Cut the sardines into 1-inch pieces and every 30 seconds throw a piece in. Chunking is a proven technique to bring tuna, cobia and kingfish to your boat. Give yourself at least an hour. Remember, chunking works best during strong tides.
- Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call 727 709-9396 or e-mail him at huffyl@tampabay.rr.com
