Is there any known way to cook a stingray if so what are they I have caught some and just let them go.

Alexander Williams
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Dear Alexander:

I personally would let them all go – and very carefully at that. However, if you’d like to try eating a stingray, go to our Recipes Page at http://capmel.com/recipes.htm and scroll down to Dick Gilmore’s recipe for "Stingray Quiche." Dick tells me it’s quite good.

Mel

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Hey Capt Mel,

I was wondering if you could tell me the type of gear and bait (preferably dead) you would recommend for grouper digging in a depth of 100-200 feet. I was told for depths over 100 to get heavy and that a Penn Senator would do just fine spooled with 80lb mono, but I rather ask someone in the know before I spend my money for something I wont really need. Since you enjoyed plenty of offshore fishing for bruisers, I would appreciate the knowledge.

Thanks.

Carlos

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Dear Carlos:

When I was chartering offshore some years back, a typical fishing outfit was a longish boat rod (about 7 or 8-feet) fitted with a Penn 113-H 4/0 reel. In those days I used 80 lb. Mono, with a 125 lb. leader attached with a #3 or #4 barrel swivel. I would use a slip sinker above the swivel – size dependent on depth, current and other fishing conditions.

Someone once said that a big hook is no deterrent to a grouper because they have such large mouths. However, most of the time, my preferences were 7/0 to 9/0 Mustads.

These days, however, many grouper diggers have downsized their tackle, working with lighter outfits and using line as light as 50-pound test.

As for bait, the old standby – frozen sardines are hard to beat. You can also effectively use frozen cigar minnows or mackerel chubs. I personally like to cut them in half, permitting some of the oils and juices to ooze out, which really attracts the fish.

You can also try some cut bait, such as cut up sand perch or grunts.

Mel

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Capt Mel

It has been a while since I’ve fished up in Tampa Bay and I am thinking of heading out of Picnic Island boat ramp this Wednesday. I live down in Englewood and have plenty of reds around to catch however my in-laws are staying in Tampa for one day and are interested in catching some reds. Where would be a good place to start looking this time of year? I'll be fishing from my boat and I am familiar with the majority of the bay, but it would be nice to have some kind of clue as to where we might go and try our luck.

Thanks

snookman
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Dear Snookman:

From what I’m hearing, there is some excellent redfish action in Lower Tampa Bay, along the southeastern shoreline. You should also take the short ride over to the Northern end of Manatee County and fish places like Terra Ceia, Joe’s Island, Rattlesnake Key and Emerson Point. All should be holding some decent reds this time of year.

Mel

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