Do you remember the first time you got the “BUG,” the fishing bug that is? Did a family member take you fishing or did you run with your friends after school to a local fishing spot? For myself, it was both. My grandparents would take us every summer to some local lakes with cane poles and worms for freshwater fishing when we came up to Brooksville to stay with them. As a youngster, growing up in Safety Harbor, my friends and I had plenty of fresh and saltwater places to fish after school. Being blessed to be born in Florida, fishing has always been my passion. If you are reading this great magazine, I know you have the bug too. I believe it should be our goal to help pass this obsession on to the next generation.
I love to have young people on my charters and see the smiles when they hook up and land fish. Kids get bored quickly, so I like to get them on some fish to keep them busy. Grunts are a great fish to keep them interested. After 30 or more fish, they really start to understand the thrill of fishing. That’s when I hope they also get the “bug.” In this picture are two young anglers. One wanted a fishing trip for his birthday with his family.
Gag grouper season closes the end of this month. The bite has been fantastic. A lot of 30-inch plus fish are being caught along with plenty of legal fish. With the cooler waters, red and gag grouper can be caught in shallow water. Look for rocks or swiss cheese bottom. You can use live bait or frozen bait. If they’re hungry, they will bite what you throw to them. I recommend using heavy tackle. Use at least 60-pound line with a 7/0 hook and enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom. Be ready, because the shallow grouper will sometimes make a long run and try to find a rock to hide in.
The trout bite is picking up. Trout can be caught on any of the grass flats or near the inshore rock piles. I like to use a 1/4 oz jighead with a 3-inch Gulp or a Zoom jerk bait. Drift fishing can be very productive in the grass flats. Just drift with the tide and bounce the jig off the bottom as you move. With this tactic you can cover a lot of ground and also catch mackerel, bluefish, sea bass and grouper. Have fun fishing–that’s what it’s all about.
To all the “fishheads,” Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family.