Advertisement

Captain's Corner: Still some good spearfishing opportunities

 
Published Dec. 18, 2014

Spearfishing in the Gulf is still good for hogfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper and flounder. Hogfish are still populating most of the limestone ledges. Mangrove snapper are also on the ledges but in heavier concentrations on the larger ledges and the wrecks. The cooler water hasn't slowed the movements and reaction time of either species. The bottom temperature is in the mid-60s out to about 50 feet and the mid-70s past 130 feet. Flounder are starting to show up just outside the passes in sandy areas around wrecks and artificial structure. As the water temperature continues to drop we should start seeing even more of these flat fish skirting the offshore structure. Sheepshead are moving offshore, but still holding strong to the passes and areas inside the bay.

Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.