Advertisement

Captain's Corner: Gag grouper fishing productive

 
Published Dec. 1, 2014

Grouper fishing was productive this past week, with cold fronts chilling the shallow waters down to the high 50s, slowing the fish's metabolism to minimal activity. After a day of sunlight and warmer temperatures, the grouper began to be a bit more receptive to feeding. The best feeding was during the slack part of the tide when currents weren't as swift. Slower currents allow the cold-blooded fish to swim with much more ease to feed, rather than have to fight the current while hunting. This is typical during winter conditions. Use pinfish and grunts for bait. After a few days of calm waters, they began to bundle up about a mile from shore on the sandy bottom. A cut-up grunt head has also been getting their attention if soaked for a while on the bottom. It doesn't get hit often, but when it does, it's usually a large gag grouper. Also try going out at 10 a.m. rather than the customary 7 a.m. departure. The extra sunlight helps warm things up a bit. The gag grouper seem to be more active as well during the peak hours of daylight.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or visit jawstoo.com.