Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By Bill Hardman
Published July 14, 2007

What's hot: Shallow waters have been productive for fishermen and spearfishermen. The wrecks and ledges have been productive for grouper, cobia, snapper and hogfish. Look for big bait balls in depths of 40 feet or less off Clearwater and St. Petersburg, and 30 feet or less on spots to the north. Hopefully, good underwater visibility will continue. Usually, the turbid water caused by the blooming marine life coupled with runoff from summer storms make summer visibility drop too low to hunt in shallow areas.

Tactics: Good underwater visibility can turn bad within a few days. So, as soon as you can, fuel up the boat, get your scuba tanks topped off and spend a day on the water. Don't hesitate to check all the artificial wrecks and rubble sites that are in these shallow areas. Even the most common and well-known sites can hold large schools as they follow the bait from spot to spot.

Tournament news: The world's largest spearfishing tournament is just around the corner. The 42nd St. Pete Open is scheduled for Aug. 17-19. The weigh-in and all the festivities will be at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in St. Petersburg. For information on participation or viewing the event, go to www.stpeteopen.com.

Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and freediving classes at Aquatic Obsessions, 6193 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, and can be reached at bill@aodive.com or 727 344-3483 or

[Last modified July 13, 2007, 22:40:25]