Captain’s Corner for March 31 Dave Zalewski 397-8815

The big decision that had to be made at the beginning of each trip offshore before the cold fronts blew through was what species to target. Spanish mackerel were abundant near every inlet emptying into the gulf, and were eager to feed on both live and artificial baits. On most days all it took was the presence of one or two diving terns to indicate that a school of mackerel was under the surface. Until last weekend baitfish were very small and the use of a 00 or 0 spoon was mandated. Large baitfish arrived in numbers over the weekend and trying different sizes of spoons became necessary to “match the hatch”
Kingfish arrived in scattered schools and some were caught in all the usual spots such as the mid-water artificial reefs , wrecks and the markers at the western end of the shipping channel. Cobia were spotted at many of these same locations but were hesitant to take anything offered to them. The clear water allowed us to see barracuda in the water over several high profile structures. Historically they show up about a week or two before the concentrations of kingfish arrive and will not strike anything until then.
Bottom fishing continues to be outstanding in the 40 to 60 foot depths for all species. Because of the grouper closure we have been directing efforts towards light tackle white grunt, triggerfish , sea bass, porgy and triggerfish activity. Catch photo and release grouper have been a welcome addition to the activity and beginning April 1 some of these will end up in the fish box. Red grouper will be open in both State and Federal waters and gag grouper will be open only in State waters. State waters extend up to 9 miles offshore.