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Shallow Grouper Worth Work

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By MEL BERMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 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: Mel Berman.

Most experts contend it can be tough to catch keeper grouper in shallow water during July and August. Despite that commonly accepted proposition, Gainesville's Sam Jones, his fiancee Chris and a couple of friends chose to fish for grouper in nearshore waters anyway. "The plan was to work a little area of very small breaks west of Anclote Key," Jones said.

Heading out the south end of Anclote, the glassy conditions allowed for a swift arrival at their spot, just as the sun was coming up. "I was fishing itty-bitty breaks that are so tough to find that most people drive right over them," Jones said. While the crew caught tons of 14-inch red grouper, they managed to crank in some nice keepers. As Jones put it, "July grouper fishing in shallow water is a lot of work, but there are good times to be had."

Inshore, the best bets include catch-and-release snook along area beaches, in passes and around barrier islands; tons of mangrove snapper around the bridges, docks and mangroves; still some Spanish mackerel by the Skyway, the Fort DeSoto piers and in many flats at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

Redfish activity appears to be picking up along spoil and barrier islands, as well as in passes; and tarpon schools continue to patrol the shorelines.

Hear "The Captain Mel Show" Saturdays from 6-9 a.m. on WFLA, 970 AM. Also, visit

"Fishing Florida OnLine

Magazine" at capmel.com. Magazine" at capmel.com.

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