During the past week, we have had good visibility in most offshore locations, and the grouper and snapper action has heated up. If you can find bait balls on your favorite ledges in less than 60 feet, you likely will find feasting gags and mangos. Be careful when diving through these sunlight-absorbing bait balls - your dive buddy might be on the other side.
When inside a bait ball, try to ease up to the bottom or sides and look carefully for fish holding up just outside it. If you move slowly, you can catch a feasting grouper off guard and line up for a close shot.
Cobia circle around these bait balls, but occasionally you will spot them lying on the bottom. Concentrations of sharks have arrived with the large schools of bait. Keep your eyes open and your senses sharp. If you are scuba diving, the bubbles usually move most sharks away. However, bull and Dusky sharks will not be scared by them. If you are free diving, the sharks might dive with you. Use good judgment and dive safe.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 344-3483.
