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Grouper Action Has Been Hot

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Bill Miller.

Captain George Jonah reports fantastic fishing this week in 70 to 80 feet of water off Anna Maria. Jonah and his crew hit their limits on gag and red grouper using live pinfish, and mangrove snapper up to 6 pounds using medium white bait. The fishing was best during the major and minor solunar periods.

Tampa Bay grouper fishing is red hot. Trolling the Tampa Bay ship channel, Vance Tice caught more than 30 grouper, with six keepers. Tice said the best setup was an 8-ounce white jig with a chartreuse tail fished on a downrigger.

Shallow-water grouper is also hot off Pasco and Hernando counties. Fishing in 17 to 20 feet, captain Jim Bradley has been hitting his limit easily. Anchoring away from rock piles and chumming the grouper to the top is Bradley's favorite technique.

The Redington Pier is now completely open, and fishing has been good. A big school of bull reds has been hanging around the outside pilings, and mackerel and kingfish are being caught by anglers floating baits on balloons and outrodders.

Anchoring at the north end of the Skyway and chumming back to the bridge with white baits has been producing good action for captain Chuck Rodgers. Use a short No. 3 or 4 wire leader to prevent cutoffs.

Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on Thursdays and Sundays from 7-8 p.m., and Fridays and Mondays from 11 a.m.-noon on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

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