Outdoors

Tech instruments play key role in deep water

By LARRY HOFFMAN, Times Correspondent
Published September 14, 2007

Blue-water fishing is still outstanding on our coast. "The Elbow" has been producing good catches of blackfin tuna, dolphin and some wahoo. The month of September is traditionally considered the last month for blue-water fishing because of the weather changes - fronts and cold weather. The Elbow is a great place to bottom fish, chumming to catch tuna while also catching American red snapper, grouper, and mangrove snapper.

Tactics: When fishing far offshore, 70 miles and out, weather becomes an important factor in planning. Check the three-day weather report to be sure you have a safe window for travel. Local offshore thunderstorms are avoidable by moving away from the storms, but front lines can transform a fun trip into a survival trip. Our local weather channels should be considered, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA offshore forecast provides weather reports 50 miles out and information from weather buoys strategically located in the gulf. The buoys can provide wind speed and wave heights - two indicators of what you might be driving into.

Techniques: Many times the tide determines whether we anchor, drift or troll.

On slack tides with light wind, drifting is a great way to find and catch fish. Once you find fish, mark the spot on your GPS or Loran. You may want to anchor on that spot to fish.

When you have strong tides and wind, anchor and fish good bottom shows. Chumming with frozen sardines cut into small pieces is effective in attracting tuna, dolphin, kingfish and sharks. Live baits such as pinfish, sardines, and pilchards are great offerings for tuna. Place a few live baits off the transom. The chumming will bring the fish to your boat. The key is strong tides that carry the bait pieces farther from your boat. Chum bags also work as they create an oil slick on the surface.

Bottom fishing also produces chum. As you bring fish up from the depths they will invert their stomachs and produce a slick. To make chumming work you need to invest a couple of hours of your time.

Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call (727) 709-9396 or e-mail huffyl@tampabay.rr.com.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 20:18:49]