Captain's Report - September 4, 2003
by Capt. Dave Mistretta
Finally, a decent push of grouper started to migrate our way. For months we've struggled with the tasty bottom dwellers, but this past week started to produce decent amounts of red grouper in 80, 90 and 100 feet. A smattering of gag grouper and mangrove snapper can be added to the days catch. The sudden influx of fish is still not up to par compared to years past, but a modest dozen or so keepers can be taken during a day's outing.
Working the edges of the limestone bottom and the sand dunes is what's been working best. If a bait stack can be found at these locations, you'll be sure to find a few big fire trucks (red grouper over 13 pounds). Stout tackle is a must when trying to pry one of these beastly grouper off the bottom. Sixty pound line combined with at least 80 pound leader will get the job done.
Even the depths of fifty and sixty feet are starting to produce a few gags and reds. Numbers are still low for keepers at these depths, but as summer ends more fish will move closer. The gags are more predominant and can be found over the hard bottom areas holding schools of juvenile glass minnows and pilchards. Numerous undersized fish are present so plan on bringing lots of bait. If a hook gets lodged deep inside the throat of these undersized fish, cut the leader close to the hook leaving it with the fish. Their chance of survival is better by letting the hook dissolve rather than ripping it out. We use a nickel coated hooks, since they are the quickest to rust apart.
Last week, clients visiting from Manhattan landed five tarpon off Indian Rocks beach. They were found teaming up with Spanish mackerel attacking glass minnow schools. Simply tossing a pinfish or threadfin herring in the vicinity of the feeding silverkings got immediate results. We even hooked a double header during this late season feeding frenzy.
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