Spearfishing in the Gulf of Mexico is steadily improving. The high winds and rough seas of the past two weeks forced bottom fish to scatter. The fish are starting to group on ledges with good bait concentrations.
Hogfish and mangrove snappers have been steady on most ledges from 50-100 feet. We have found nice gags on ledges in excess of 100 feet and in water less than 25 feet. Red grouper are in some of their usual haunts in 80 feet and deeper. The "swiss cheese" bottom areas have produced nice reds, but it is hard to spearfish on this type of bottom. The multitude of holes on the sea floor gives the fish a quick and secure area for retreat.
When spearing on these "swiss cheese"areas I take a medium pneumatic spear gun. These little guns pack more power than the small band powered guns. They are easier to maneuver into a hole. Pneumatic guns also make mounting a small flashlight to the barrel a snap. Even if you use a line-shaft configuration on these guns, the light can be mounted so it will clear the line when you shoot. These guns are small but powerful and accurate on short shots.
- Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 344-3483.
