Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By STEVE PAPEN, Times Correspondent
Published January 4, 2008

Fronts force anglers to track winds

Every January it is time for what I like to call "storm fishing." A few days before a cold front invades the area, winds come from the south and west, as these frontal systems pass through the area, winds will switch out of the west, then the north behind the boundary. Last, the wind changes out of the northeast then east, and it's time to get out there. ¶ Offshore trips this time of year should be carefully planned. Look for approaching weather systems on the local radar. There are also many Internet Web sites that aim to predict wind and seas on a particular day.

Check structure for gag population

Right before a front, grouper stack up on the high relief structures of wrecks, reefs and most of the taller ledges in the area. These fish remain on these structures until the water clears and the winds subside, making them easier to target.

If the weather is calm for a few days, target the offshore stock of gags, which is generally made up of the larger fish. They can be found on smaller ledges and rock piles in the 70- to 140-foot depths. Live baits are the key until the water temperature falls below 60 degrees, then larger frozen baits such as tinker mackerel and large Spanish sardines will be best.

Amberjack stocks up

Amberjack fishing is as good as it can be. Most springs and wrecks in depths of 100 to 150 feet of water are winter home to many amberjack in the 30- to 50-pound range. Anchor over these spots and chum with live sardines or threadfin herring to get these fish into a feeding frenzy.

Slow trolling is also an effective technique for amberjack. Live baits such as blue runners, cigar minnows and sardines are great for this style of fishing. Most of the time the deeper you can apply this method of fishing the better. There's a chance of catching blackfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and even sailfish in this situation.

Finding cobia is like seeing double

Cobia make their annual appearance on some of the local wrecks. Cobia are one of the few fish that mate for life, so they usually show up in pairs (the male will be smaller one).

Flats are more hit and miss

Trout fishing will heat up this month. Large female gator trout will be scouring the flats in search of food during the warmer parts of the day. Look for potholes in the shallow water during low tide for these fish. The shallow water on the flats heats up faster, thus making these fish a little more cooperative when feeding.

Snook will start to congregate in the deep-water canals as the water continues to cool. These fish should be found under residential docks or smaller bridges. Snook will not expend much energy trying to capture a meal due to the colder water temperatures, so a live shrimp works best. Braided lines give you an edge in pulling these fish out from the structure, as sometimes you will have to pitch baits under docks.

Other fish that frequent these same areas are black drum, redfish and sheepshead. Fishing docks can be trying, but when you find a dock that holds fish, it usually continues to produce for the rest of the fall season. Do not to spend too much time in one spot, because if the fish are there they will usually eat right away, so 5-10 minutes without a bite requires a change of location.

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

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 20:39:33]