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Red Snapper, Amberjack Chewing

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 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.

A westerly wind flow over the last few days has kept anglers running offshore on their toes dodging thunderstorms. This pattern is forecast to continue for a few more days, so if you're heading offshore keep an eye on the sky as some of these storms have been on the strong side.

Gag grouper fishing remains slow even up to the north, where you can normally count on a strong bite. Most reports that are coming in say that we are picking a few here and there but overall it's slow.

As it has been for the last couple of weeks the red snapper bite has been hot although they do appear to be on the move to deeper water. The hot bite has been from 140 feet on out. The most consistent bite has been in 160 to 190 feet. Most of the fish are in the 5- to 8-pound class with a few fishing pushing over the 10-pound mark.

For those wanting to tangle with a couple of reef donkeys (amberjack), now is a good time. The bite has been hot on wrecks and spring out past 130 feet. Live blue runners are the bait of choice.

Closer in, say around the 50 to 80-foot mark, fishing overall has been on the slow side. Those that put in their time will find a decent mixed bag of yellowtail and mangrove snapper, a few keeper grouper, grunts, triggerfish and other assorted bottom dwellers.

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

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