Spirits soared recently when the first three bites on our first stop bottom fishing in 80 feet west of the Ten Fathom Wreck produced three keepers: one mangrove snapper and two gag grouper that bit on halves of Spanish sardines and squid.

When bottom fishing, start with squid and sardines. Switch to a live bait when the bite tapers off. A lively pinfish, squirrelfish, grunt or cigar minnow darting around will trigger a competitive frenzy among large grouper attracted to the dead baits and activity produced by grunts, porgies and triggerfish that are less wary.

The grouper activity vanished as quickly as it started, and when two anglers reeled up hookless leaders, our first thoughts were a school of reef sharks had been attracted to the activity. When the sharks appear the grouper usually vacate the area.

While tying hooks to the leaders, I heard a grunt and saw Jerry O'Connell with his rod bent. By the way it was running away from the boat, this obviously was no grouper. O'Connell backed off the drag, which was locked down for grouper, to allow the fish to fight without pulling the hook. We were surprised to see a kingfish in the 10- to 12-pound range followed by several others. We landed one, our first of the fall season, but could not get its schoolmates to bite.

- Capt. Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Maderia Beach and can be reached at (727) 397-8815 or by e-mail at Luckytoo2@aol.com.

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