Captain’s Corner for January 27 Dave Zalewski 397-8815

What’s Hot:

Offshore gag grouper fishing is as good as it can get right now. The fish that are traditionally targeted in the 20 to 30 foot depths have moved offshore to the 50 to 60 foot depths, because of the unusually cold weather that we have been experiencing, joining the fish that have made the annual trek from the deep waters of the gulf. The cold water conditions have put a crimp in the gathering of live bait such as pinfish, pigfish and the various white baits, but that does not seem to matter. Frozen sardines, squid and pieces of jack mackerel have been producing banner catches.

Tactics:

The larger ledges and artificial reefs, being high profile structures , are more likely to hold numbers of fish because of the protection that they provide to both baitfish and their predators . The high seas and turbulent conditions caused by the strong winds accompanying the cold fronts create this movement of the fish. If we ever get a period of calm seas, these fish will move to smaller ledges near the high profile structure where competition for the available forage is not as intense.

Tip:

Pay attention as to which way the smaller fish swim when released. They will always swim toward the best available structure. The same holds true when a keeper is hooked.. If all the fish are swimming in the same direction, it is worthwhile to cast a baited hook that way. Usually there is a bigger undercut or pile of rocks in that direction which tend to hold the majority of larger fish.