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Watch For Schools Of Bait To Find Fish

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 2, 2007

Updated: 10/02/2007 01:00 am

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.

This past weekend I took a break from charter fishing and fished the Bill Currie Ladies Tournament. First off I want to say thanks to all that helped put this event on. It's a first class tournament and everyone did a fantastic job. Congratulations to Linda Rochelle and Valerie DeChant and everyone that placed in the tournament.

Friday night we ran out to an area of ledges southwest of the Whistler Buoy in 70 to 80 feet of water. The bite was hot from 2-4 a.m. (right around the major) and then shut off. Not much in the way of red and gag grouper but the snapper and scamp were chewing. The big surprise was catching keeper red snapper in 70 feet.

I talked with Tommy Laronge and he told me that before the weather turned last week he had been on a hot bite northwest of Clearwater out around the 130- to 140-foot mark. Mangrove and red snapper and red grouper were thick; however, gag grouper were hard to come by. Tommy said targeting baits stacks was one key to success and dropping baits right down through them was another. Just watch for show of bait fishing holding over areas of hard bottom and make a drop.

As cool fronts roll through our area with more frequency, finding days to run offshore will become more challenging. Pick your days carefully and always get the latest marine forecast before venturing offshore.

Captain Randy Rochelle runs the 'Gotta Go' out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 365-3218 or www.islandercharters.net.

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