Dave Zalewski
The calm seas and light winds between the cold fronts have made for some great days offshore targeting a wide variety of bottom fish. With the water temperatures hovering around the 60 degree mark we have put up the trolling tackle until mid -March when the water will have warmed up to the magic 70 degree mark. Reports indicate that anglers in the Keys are having a banner winter season on kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia and they will be departing for their spring jaunt to the upper gulf giving us the opportunity to target them.
It has been necessary for us to venture offshore with a full selection of bait on board including frozen squid, Spanish sardines, shrimp and live pinfish. Each day has been different as to what offering will trigger a feeding response from the targeted species. Any of the mentioned baits will entice a bite from a red or catch and release gag grouper. Smaller circle hooks (2/0) baited with strips of squid , pieces of sardine or shrimp are best for white grunts, porgies, sea bass and yellowtail snapper. In order to target hogfish it is necessary to have either live or frozen shrimp in the mix as they are very finicky and their diet consists of mostly crustaceans.
We have been making a bottom fishing stop on most days in the 40 foot range on areas of limestone outcroppings, not only to fish, but also to obtain an anchor heading so that we may properly position the boat over the offshore spot we may be planning to fish. On several days it has not been necessary to leave these depths giving us much more actual fishing time. We have learned through experience that one cannot catch a fish if a line is not in the water.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
