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Get Grouper While You Can

Illustration by DIANE ROME PEEBLES

Grouper in 60 to 100 feet of water are less likely to chase around live bait.

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By RANDY ROCHELLE

Tribune Correspondent

Published: January 19, 2009

The gag and red grouper bite has been very consistent. That said, finding a calm-enough day to run offshore has been tough.

Once again it looks like Thursday and Friday will be the days to get out. As of now the forecast is calling for south to southeast winds around 10 knots. Remember gag grouper season closes Feb. 1 and red grouper closes Feb. 15.

If you do get out, you will find that you will have to run a little further to the west to find active fish. Gulf water temperatures have fallen into the low 60s, all but shutting down the bite inside of 60 feet.
When water temps drop this low, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Slow it down: The cold water will have the fish feeling a bit lethargic and will be slow to bite. Give each spot a little longer than you normally would to see if they will chew.

Run deeper: The deeper you fish, the less effect the cold weather will have on the fish. Red grouper in 130 feet of water are very active compared to gag grouper in 40 feet.

This time of year cut bait rules. Grouper in 60 to 100 feet of water are less likely to chase around live bait as they are to pick dead bait off the bottom.

The amberjack bite is still hot for those wanting a sore back. Wrecks and springs in 110 to 200 feet are holding good numbers of decent-sized fish.

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

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