Keeper grouper are plentiful

By BILL MILLER
Posted November 28, 2009 by The Tampa Tribune

Captain James Rouse reports grouper are migrating into shallow water. This week, Rouse and party limited on gag grouper in 60 feet of water. Also included in the catch were three keeper red grouper, three kingfish and a tiger shark. The tiger ate a keeper grouper being reeled up and was released at boat side.

Limit catches of keeper grouper have been reported in water as shallow as 20 feet along St. Pete Beach and 10 feet of water off Hudson.

Kingfish and mackerel have been the catch of the day for captain Van Hubbard off Boca Grande. Hubbard also has been putting his party on to big sharks, little tunny and a few triple tails.

Redfish are also hot in Charlotte Harbor. Captain Charlie Coleman found a giant school of hungry redfish and released 107 of the big red bruisers.

The snook bite was fair this week in Tampa Bay. Rocky Point, Cypress Beach and Allen’s Creek produced nice catches of future trophy snook. Not many keepers were in the mix.

Snook season closes Tuesday along the west coast. No harvest is allowed but catch and release is allowed. The closure will remain in affect until Feb. 1, 2010.

Trout fishing is hot in Homosassa. West of Mason Creek and St. Martin’s River are the best areas. Try Mirrodines and D.O.A.’s for the trout.

Rock piles north and south of marker #2 in the Homosassa River are producing keeper grouper for anglers casting Bomber Long A’s to the rocks.

Captain Bill Miller hosts “Hooked on Fishing” on Bright House Sports Network, Channel 47. To book a charter with captain Bill or his son captain Billy, call (813) 363-9927.