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Captain's corner

By Randy Rochelle

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 24, 2001

Catching keeper-size gag grouper with water temperatures in the mid- to low- 50s has been tough. Looking for warmer water and leaving baits to soak on the bottom longer than normal are keys to putting fish in the boat. I have been running south of the ship channel, to 60-90 feet of water, looking for water that might be 2 to 4 degrees warmer than the water north of the channel. It might not sound like much, but it can make the difference between a fair day or a great one.

Another key has been trying different baits, such as frozen sardines, squid, cut pieces of grunts or mullet, or trying combinations of these baits. I have had my best luck adding a piece of squid to half a sardine. Try leaving a live pinfish on the bottom while fishing with cut bait; it may take a while but it might produce the biggest fish of the day.

I also have been using lighter tackle: spinning or conventional rods spooled up with 25- to 30-pound mono, a 4/0 to 5/0 hook tied to 3 feet of 40-pound leader, and a 3- to 4-ounce swivel sinker.

Have patience. Stay on a spot a good 30 to 40 minutes before moving to the next spot.

- Randy Rochelle runs Islander Charters in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 528-1213.

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