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What’s Hot- These past few weeks have offered a bounty of different species from
our local waters. Trips to depths of 75-90 feet of water are still producing quality Gag Grouper and Red Grouper.
Usually this time of the year the waters in these depths are so warm that the fish actually migrate offshore in search of
cooler waters. This year is quite different. Divers are reporting a strong thermocline and much cooler water temps.
on the bottom than on the surface, so the fish still think its spring and should stay around for a while longer.
A bit deeper- Trips to depths
of 120-150 feet have not only produced quality Red and Gag Grouper but have also been giving the Red Snappers quite easily.
The key to these Snappers is the fish show on the bottom machine. Since these Snapper are a schooling fish, look for
fish shows to be stacked well off of the bottom, usually near a roll off in the bottom or a ledge. Sardines will produce
more fish than any live baits, since they are soft your hook to bite ratio will be better than with live. We have also seen many Mahi in these same depths. Last week
we found a small kayak floating near by. We stopped by and there were literally hundreds of Mahi swimming around under
it. A small circle hook and a plug of sardine did the trick. Deeper yet- 170-220 feet of water is probably the most consistent bottom fishing depths
for this area. Last week a trip to these depths was nothing short of unreal. I was having to leave right in the
middle of the bite because the fish were so aggressive. These are also the perfect depths for vertical jig fishing.
Speed jigs such as The Shimano Butter-fly and Williamson are quite effective in these depths. A fast retrieve usually
draws a reaction strike from these fish. Wreck fishing- The bulk of the larger Amber-jack have made their
way offshore from the usual fall haunts to the deeper wrecks and springs in depths of 150 feet or more. Last week we
stopped by a wreck in 165 feet. After a bit of live chumming the entire school of 30-50 lb. jacks were swimming under
the boat. Anything and everything that was put in the water was smashed within seconds. These fish are large and
a couple should produce more than enough meat for everyone, so take only what you can eat and release the rest. Also,
releasing them in deep water usually requires them to be vented in order for them to have a good chance for survival.
Capt. Steve Papen Fintastic Charters www.fintasticinc.com 727-642-3411
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