Sports: Captain's corner

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Captain's corner

By LARRY HOFFMAN

Grouper fishing is hot right now. Last week we produced great catches of gag and red grouper up to 18 pounds in 80-95 feet.

We have been fishing hard-cheese rock-type bottom. The fish have been feeding on just about any bait you present, but our biggest red grouper have been caught on live pigfish.

Mangrove snapper, lane snapper and scamp are also biting. Mangrove snapper have been feeding on frozen sardines cut in half using 30-pound class tackle.

Tuna, wahoo and dolphin action remains good in blue water. Amberjack up to 60 pounds are holding over shipwrecks and springs from 90-130 feet. Live blue runners, spadefish and large pinfish are producing the biggest jacks.

Anchored shrimp boats are best for blackfin tuna. Use Spanish sardines free-lined near the transom of the shrimp boat. Early mornings and at the tide change have been the best bite times.

- Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters the Enterprise out of Kingfish Wharf, Treasure Island. Call (727) 430-3474.