Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By DAVE MISTRETTA
Published December 29, 2005

Water temperatures have plummeted into the low 60s thanks to all the cold fronts. Bottom fishing will require a bit more patience. We fished 80-foot depths this week and didn't have near the action as the week before. You could see the fish on the sonar, but getting them to eat was tough. After a few days of warmer weather, grouper action will pick up. They are susceptible to cold water, especially when it drops to near 60 degrees.

Dead baits such as sardines, squid and grunt fillets are the baits of choice this week. Sometimes in cold water, smaller baits will entice grouper to bite. We cut the sardines in half before sending them to the bottom. Two-inch pieces of squid work, too. The only problem with squid is that the grunts will not leave them alone; be sure to bring plenty. Key West grunts are tougher than many reef fish and seem to have an endless appetite.

You can use these smaller reef fish to your advantage when the bite is slow. Keeping the grunts active with a couple of squid-baited rods will often entice bigger fish to bite. This activity causes a commotion on the bottom, making a big grouper eat when it normally wouldn't. Try this method at each stop. Having children on board helps as they love the action the grunts give. A double-hooked rig will make the action even more intense. The kids can reel in two fish at once.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, e-mail jawstoo@msn.com or see www.jawstoo.com

[Last modified December 29, 2005, 00:52:13]