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Captain's Corner

By LARRY BLUE

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 5, 2000

Stone crabs have been the object of attention along the Gulf Coast during the past month. Not only by the crabbers that catch these tasty crustaceans, but by the octopus that also enjoy the stone crabs' flavor. An abundance of crabs usually means an abundance of octopus.

Bottom fishing for grouper during the winter months often will snag an octopus or two at any given fishing stop. Baiting a hook intended for grouper doesn't always mean success will follow, if the octopus has his way. Should you feel a gentle tug on your line, pull back slowly with steady pressure, and the octopus may follow. They make a wonderful bait for grouper and many of the other bottom fish you are trying to catch. Octopus as a bait stays on the hook well and even pesky grunts have a hard time trying to steal it.

Once caught, there is no reason to kill the octopus. Simply remove one of the arms to use for bait. I am told the octopus will regrow the appendage in time without any ill affect. I have caught several that were missing an arm or two.

There are changes on the way for bottom-fishermen to note. Remember that as the water temperatures fall in the coming months, grouper will be slower to bite. Don't be so eager to set the hook on the fish, as they may be just mouthing the bait. Striking prematurely will only succeed in removing the bait from his grasp, or losing the bait.

- Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-3773, or e-mail at Captlblue@aol.com.

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