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Offshore, The Deeper The Better

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 4, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mike Anderson, right, with "Reel Animals" partner Billy Nobles.

If offshore is your game, I have two words for you - go deep.

Billy and I did just that early this week, and we had an unbelievable trip. Fishing with area Middle Grounds guru captain Tommy Laronge, we ventured out of the Salt Rock Grill and went about 75 miles west of Clearwater Pass to fish in 150 feet of water. We found big gag grouper in the 20- to 30-pound range and plenty of red snapper to 15 pounds. I also caught a nice smoker kingfish in the 35-pound range.

The bite and the amount of fish out there are ridiculous, and you have to be sure to gear up for such a trip. We were using 100-pound-test line on Penn 114h reels, and there were still some fish Billy could not budge from the bottom.

We also marked a lot of fish in the 40-mile range in 90 to 110 feet. Remember, with the water temperature around 85 degrees, your big grouper are heading for deeper water.

It is also a good idea to take some friends along in another boat. Offshore is not a great place to be without someone to look out for you.

Around Tampa Bay, things are pretty much the same as last week, with plenty of Spanish mackerel to be had. Big snook are still roaming the beaches, and we are catching some nice trout fishing the deep edges of the flats down around the Sunshine Skyway.

Fish the early morning and late afternoon for best results.

Catch captains Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson on the "Reel Animals Fishing Show" on Saturdays from 6:30-7 a.m. on WFLA, Channel 8, and Sundays from 8-10 a.m. on WHBO, 1470 AM. To book a charter, call 1-866-GAMEFISH or visit www.reelanimalsfishing

show.com.

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