Captain's Report - July 4, 2003
by Capt. Dave Mistretta
Thunder storms, strong winds and low pressure systems will dictate when and where anglers fish for the rest of the summer.
If the seas are calm enough, take a long journey offshore for some decent bottom fishing. During this heated month of July, a variety of deep water game fish are there for the taking. Once reaching the 120 foot mark, slow down and start looking. Small bait stacks gather over flat hard bottom areas. Some troughs travel for miles holding endless amounts of bait attracting bottom fish. The bait tends to bundle tightly over any large crack in the bottom or pot hole, since structures are minimal around this prairie-like bottom. These depressions consist of flat limestone slabs of rocks containing cave like structures beneath. Keep hopping from one bait stack to the other until you hit jackpot. This type of fishing can often be compared to a one stop shopping spree, since you can get your bait and a cooler of fish on a single spot.
Red grouper are much larger in these depths of water so beef up the leaders and hooks to avoid tackle failure. A twenty five pound red requires at least an 8/0 hook combined with one hundred pound leader. Give the grouper a little time to creep out from under these tunnel-like structures.
Some recent trips hauled up trophy sized mangrove snapper weighing nine pounds. Snapper of this caliber tug hard enough to fool even the most experienced angler, making them think a large grouper is hooked. Other snapper like lanes, American reds and a few yellow tails can also be taken from these same pot holes.
Simply jiggling up a few live baits from the same bait stacks being worked can produce some great pelagic action. Most of the baitfish consists of smaller cigar minnows and Spanish sardines. These tasty morsels will attract black fin tuna, sail fish, bonito, dolphin and numerous summertime kings into your spread. Free -lining works great while bottom fishing since most of these pelagic fish have already been prowling in the vicinity of the bait stacks. Slow trolling with the employment of down riggers is also a great method. Remember, some bait stacks will hold big fish and others won't, so try each one of these tactics at each stop.
Due to unstable weather, the deep waters of the gulf aren't always a welcomed site, but there are other options. Shallow water grouper can be taken from many spots at this time. A variety of bait seems to be what will bring a keeper back to the dinner table.
The artificial reefs are one huge welcome mat for big barracuda and permit weighing 25 pounds. By now the cudas are quite smart due to all the boat traffic. Lighter tackle (#3 wire leader) will put them over the edge if you are in the need for a great fight. A huge fish ripping out lots of line, frequently jumping out of the water can always spice up a hot summer day in July. The permit will be much more cooperative in the early hours of the morning. These eye keen scrappers are abundant on most of the artificial reefs and will devour a small free lined crab. Once the sun get too high, go do something else. Early bird gets the worm on these great fighting game fish.
Tarpon fishing during this month will switch more to a bottom bait situation. Dead shad or mullet combined with frequent sessions of chumming will lure them in. Expect to be greeted by the many black tip sharks that have taken over the inshore waters for the summer.
|
