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Bottom Bite Continues To Pick Up

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 27, 2007

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

It appears by looking at the marine forecast that the rest of the week will be promising. If you're planning on running offshore, the fish should be chewing. A real lack of pressure, a few days past the full moon and calm seas should be a receipt for success.

Gag grouper continue to make headlines to the north. Anglers fishing in as little as 30 feet of water are finding a decent number of keeper gags mixed in with numerous shorts. A bit deeper in the 45- to 55-foot range, the percentage of keepers to shorts increases substantially.

Further south in 50 to 80 feet, scamp, snapper, red and gag grouper and a mix of other bottom dwellers will keep anglers busy.

If the bite is slow, try downsizing your tackle and bait size. As Gulf water temperatures fall, fish will often pass up a large bait for a smaller offering. And as waters clear, downsizing your tackle will help to draw more bites.

While there are still some kings around, the bite has slowed. The best bet for bagging late-season kings is to slow troll smaller baits.

Pilchards, Spanish sardines and threadfin all work well. The best bite seems to be in the 30- to 60-foot range over wrecks, artificial reefs and areas of live bottom.
Captain Randy Rochelle runs the Gotta Go out of St. Pete

and can be reached at

(727) 365-3218 or go to

93islandercharters.net.

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