Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By JAY MASTRY
Published January 26, 2005

Though kingfish are rare around here these days, the Southern Kingfish Association's Tournament in Key West over the weekend had impressive results. A 60-pounder won the event, five smokers over 50 pounds were weighed, and it took one over 40 pounds to even make the leaderboard. It'll be our turn from late March through April when our water temperatures rise.

On Saturday, we managed four keeper grouper on a ledge in 48 feet south of the Egmont Channel. Most ate frozen sardines, but a couple of the largest couldn't resist live pinfish. Blue runnersbecame good grouper bait after trimming their tails to slow them down. Short grouper, black sea bass and Mangrove Snapper weren't particularly choosey and all the Key West Grunts we cared to catch went after pieces of squid.

Live bait was readily available using gold hook rigs at the buoys midway out the Egmont Channel. Water temperatures dropped dramatically the last few days and likely forced many grouper farther offshore. When the wind subsides and seas calm, 70 feet and beyond may be more productive than shallow depths. If you venture past 100, pack your heavy equipment. Amberjack will be looking to take advantage of a blue runner drifted over wrecks, ledges or springs.

Remember, Gasparilla is this weekend. Navigate safely and be patient. Waterways will be crowded and boat ramps will be packed.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:13:15]