Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By STEVE PAPEN, Times Correspondent
Published October 21, 2007

Grouper: Shallow-water fishing should be consistent in the fall because of the year-round abundance of bait inshore and offshore. The best gag action should be at 60-90 feet. But look for some to travel into depths as shallow as 20 feet when the conditions are right. Much of the bottom fishing in these areas is done on hard, rocky ledges. When the water drops below 75 degrees, the grouper becomes very active. Get as close to the structure as possible because the gags do not move far from the cover.

Snapper: Mangrove snapper are more predominant and can be targeted on most ledges in 70-130 feet. For yellowtail snapper, try some deeper wrecks such as the Blackthorn or Mexican Pride. There also have been good numbers on the pipeline in 100 feet or more. Anchor up-tide and deploy a chum block. Use small pieces of sardines on light spinning rods, with no lead. Bait should fall at the same speed as chum.

Kingfish: Pursue larger ones closer to shore and inside Tampa Bay. The average 25-pound female is 11-12 years old. These big kings travel in small packs and are feeding on mackerel, mullet and ladyfish. These smokers have made this trip before, making them harder to catch.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at fintasticinc.com or (727) 642-3411.

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 20:50:53]