Trolling Grouper, Shooting Hogfish

Fishing Report 26 December 2008:

Capt Jay Schroeder of CJ Flats Saltwater Charters turned his attentions from Inshore to Nearshore with incredible results. Captain Jay reported the Nearshore Black and Red Grouper bite continued to be on fire as water temperatures in the Gulf hovered in the mid-60's. Rock piles and ledges from 15' to 45' were holding keeper sized Grouper North of Anclote on Saturday. Trolling with diving plugs like Manns Magnum Stretches continued to work in locating fish and exploring new spots; however Capt Jay stated medium to large sized Pinfish hooked through the nose on a classic fish finding rig with a 4.0 circle hook, 3' - 50lbs fluorocarbon leader, and just enough lead to keep it on the bottom was the set-up of choice for bigger fish. Frozen Spanish Sardines and cut Squid fished the same manner also produced results.

For those who were willing to run a little further Offshore, tackle-busting Amber Jack could be found off wrecks in 80' or greater. Capt Jay recommends vertical jigging or dropping large baits midway through the water column and holding on tight. These bruisers didn't take long to strike and offered white-knuckled action for all on board. Finding keeper sized AJs was easy; horsing them to the surface was the challenge. Fishing Grouper at these deeper depths proved challenging, especially off ledges in 90' of water; American Red Snapper were much more aggressive then the targeted Grouper and put up a fight all the way to the surface. Just remember American Red Snapper season is closed and to handle these fish with care...

And for the crazy few willing to leave the comfort of topside, Capt Jay reported Hogfish were still abundant Nearshore in as little as 25' of water and provided great sport for spear fishing. Visibility was 10-feet plus out of Clearwater beginning at 25' and only improved as depths increased. Hogfish made for a welcomed addition to the dinner plate and in Capt Jay's opinion, are arguably the best eating fish the Gulf Coast has to offer. For more information regarding fishing in Tampa Florida or to book a trip with CJ Flats Saltwater Charters, contact Captain Jay Schroeder at 1-877-463-5420 or visit www.cjflats.com.

Capt Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420