Earlier in the week Capt Mike and myself went out to shoot and episode of The Reel Animals Fishing Show. We ran out of O’Neal’s Marina in Saint Pete. Just a short boat ride and we were catching trout on artificials. The fish weren’t very large but plenty with a few keepers in the mix.
On Thursday, I carried our underwater camera guy, Scuba Steve, (Ben Bateman) his best friend Scott and his dad, Mike along with the son/brother in-law, Brian, offshore. We looked for white bait around the bay to no avail and headed for the skyway. In just three throws of the cast net we had plenty of pinfish, pigfish, and one sardine and off we went. We hit some spots in the 40-60 foot range and had a few small grouper and I believe on gag that just made the slot. The wind looked like it was lying down so we ran 40 miles to 120’ of water.
Let me tell ya it was a good call. Upon reaching our spot we immediately began chumming the water with a chum bag and cut bait. We started on cut bait with a little success but nothing to write home about. Then we switched to the live pinners and pigs and it was game on. We only made the one stop and limited out on Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Mangrove Snapper. We caught several Amberjacks with the big one around 45 pounds. I was surprised we did that good with the full moon on us. I guess the lesson is in winter you go when you can especially this winter with the strong fronts we’ve had. I mean earlier in the week the gulf seas were at 8’ and we ran home in 1-2 footers. So you just gotta go.
Be sure to check us out on WFLA News Channel 8 for The Reel Animals Fishing Show Saturday mornings at 6:30 and Sunday mornings at 11. Also call in Sunday to WDAE 620 AM The Sports Animal to give us your reports and questions and who knows, you just my win something.
