Captain's Corner: Go deep for success

What's hot: Running deep can pay dividends. This area is known for grouper and snapper fishing, but there is a virtually untapped pelagic fishery. The Loop Current is part of the Gulf Stream, warm water that flows north into the gulf then turns south and through the Straits of Florida.

Location: The Loop Current is a great place for offshore trolling, with catches of white and blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo and mahi-mahi along with blackfin and yellowfin tuna. But the current is not the only place to fish. Check bathymetric charts, which show the contours of the bottom. The deep-water currents collide with underwater mountains and create upwellings of water, attracting smaller creatures, thus starting the food chain.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at fintasticinc.com or (727) 642-3411.