Capt. Mel's "GoFishing" Tampa Tribune column -- Published on 7.26.08

July Shallow Grouper Fishing Can Be Worthwhile

By CAPT. MEL BERMAN, 970-WFLA

Most experts contend that it can be quite tough to catch keeper grouper in shallow waters during July and August. Despite that commonly accepted proposition, Gainesville’s Sam Jones, his fiancée Chris and a couple of friends chose to fish for grouper in nearshore waters anyhow.  “The plan was to work a little area of very small breaks west of Anclote Key,” said Jones

Heading out the South end of Anclote, the glassy conditions made for a swift, 32 MPH arrival at their spot,  just as the sun was coming up.  “I was fishing itty bitty breaks that are so tough to find that most people drive right over them,” said Jones.

While the crew caught tons of 14 inch red grouper, they did manage to crank in some very nice keepers.  As Jones put it, “July grouper fishing in shallow water in is a lot of work, but there are good times to be had.”

Inshore, the best bets include several catch and release snook along area beaches, in passes and around barrier islands; tons of mangrove snapper around the bridges, docks and mangroves; still some Spanish mackerel by the Skyway, Ft. Desoto Piers, and in many flats at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Redfish activity appears to be picking up along spoil and barrier islands, as well as in passes; and tarpon schools continue to patrol the shorelines.

For more on your fishing weekend- always look for Capt. Mel Berman's  fishing report on page 2 of the sports section in every Saturday Tampa Tribune -- And join him  6 to 9 Saturday morning on 970-WFLA’s Capt. Mel Show