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The Fish Are Ready To Feed

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 26, 2008

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.

After a week of nasty, stormy weather, compliments of Tropical Storm Fay, it will be nice to get back offshore again. The offshore marine forecast looks very favorable for the next few days. Light northwest winds coupled with 40 to 50 percent chance of rain will be very conducive to offshore fishing.

Normally I would tell you to avoid large structure but over the next couple of days that's just what you should be looking for. Rough seas have churned up the Gulf, which caused bottom fish to seek shelter. They will be holding tight to big ledges, large rock piles and wrecks.

The fish have been off their normally feeding pattern for a few days now and as soon as Gulf waters settle they will be ready to feed again. The fish won't hold on these areas long as once they start getting pressured hard again they will spread back out. If Gulf waters are still dirty in close run west until you find cleaner water.

You may find bait fish hard to come by for the next few days as most of them have moved out to deeper water. If you can't find any live bait in your normal spots, try some areas around the Ship Channel, Betty Rose and close-in wrecks.

If you still can't find any live bait don't sweat it as the fish will be hungry and frozen bait will produce just as well.

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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