Red grouper fishing has been outstanding in depths of 80 to 90 feet. We have been fishing the swiss cheese type limestone bottom that blankets much of our coastline. When monitoring a sonar, look for the hardest possible bottom that is close to the sandy edges. These areas attract schools of baitfish, which attract big groupers.
Small potholes also are present in these areas. Often they can be detected by the stacks of bait along the bottom. Usually if a ball of bait is smothered along this swiss cheese bottom, it is a pothole. These holes are only a few feet deep but often travel far beneath the slates of limestone. There isn't much structure on this type of bottom, so the bait looks for anything available in which to hide. If the bait is not present, these holes are hard to detect. Many grouper live here, so they congregate. Our two fish per person quota was met with ease numerous times throughout the past month. Expect it to be good the entire fall.
One hundred-plus feet of water also holds red grouper on the same type of limestone bottom. The reds are a bit bigger at these depths. Sometimes this can make the longer ride worth it, especially with a two-fish limit. Drifting along these areas works well when there isn't much wind and the boat can move slowly. Otherwise, anchor over the holes to get the job done.
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Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
