Winds Won't Slow Grouper Bite

By THE TAMPA TRIBUNE | Tbo.com
Published: November 20, 2007

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.

It looks like it will be another week of windy conditions for the offshore gang. Expect winds to be blowing out of the east at around 15 knots the next couple of days, then moving northwest to east at about 20 knots as the weekend approaches.

For those planning to do a little grouper digging, pointing your bow north will be your best bet. The hot gag bite has been fairly consistent from Tarpon Springs north in 40 to 60 feet of water. You can expect to find some red grouper mixed in with the gags, as well as cobia or kingfish for those deploying flat lines.

While the gag bite in southern parts of the area may not be as hot as in the north, you can still expect to bag some quality fish. The bonus for those fishing off John's Pass or south will be the variety of fish you will catch. Scamp and red grouper are plentiful, as are snapper. Those fishing around the 90- to 110-foot mark should have no problem hauling in a limit of red grouper and some nice mangrove snapper.

Again, keep a flat line deployed no matter where you are fishing, as the pelagics are pushing through our area.

The jack bite has been hit or miss, and I don't foresee any big changes during the next month or so.

Captain Randy Rochelle runs the Gotta Go out of St. Pete

and can be reached at

(727) 365-3218 or go to

93islandercharters.net.