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Captain's corner

By DAVE MISTRETTA

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 23, 2001

About 40 miles out, in 100-plus feet of water, decent amounts of large red grouper are available. Some have reached weights of 20-plus pounds. Commonly called "big red fire trucks," these fish are feeding around the bait piles stacked on limestone bottom. This push of fish is a month late and is much appreciated since inshore grouper digging has been miserable. Expect more fish to migrate eastward as the month progresses.

Mackerel and bonito still can be found attacking bait fish at the 10-mile artificial reefs. The macks should stay as long as the bait does.

Anchoring over these same structures will produce some nice mangrove snapper. Once hooked, reel that snapper in as quickly as possible so it doesn't become a tasty treat for the goliath grouper. These monstrous fish weigh up to 500 pounds, and are abundant around wrecks.

Shark fishing is at its peak. Warm waters have brought numerous species within 2 miles of shore. Fish the same areas that are known for kingfish during their spring and fall runs. Blind Pass, Clearwater Hard Bottom and Hurricane Pass are great places to start. Sharks travel the contours of ledges and rock piles looking for food, so anchor over the gnarliest bottom.

- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com.

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