Vortex Charters Fishing Report
09-24-2003
Captain Chuck MacIntyre
Vortex Charters of Tampa Bay
www.vortexcharters.com
This weeks’ report will cover both Inshore and Offshore, as there was just a small window of opportunity to go very far last week.
Offshore, the bait stacks returned to the pipeline 31 miles offshore which meant a plethora of game fish available. In addition to some big red Grouper to 15 pounds, my clients took home Scamp, Sea Bass, Lane Snapper, and 2 Kingfish. Although the Kings were small (about 12 pounds each), they were a welcome addition to the Moretti’s Family reunion held in Treasure Island this year!
Inshore, it’s hard not to catch your share of Spanish Mackerel. Just follow the birds just off the beach. Using gold or silver spoons tied to a foot-long section of #3 wire, my 2 clients from Ohio caught and released at least 50 before they decided to head to the flats for some Trout action. The Trout were hitting jumbo shrimp freelined in the grassflats 3-6 feet deep. They also managed to catch 5 Gag Grouper under 1 dock; the largest 17 inches long. It will not be long before some of the larger Gags take up residence inshore—the key to finding them is to know which docks have structure under them.
Good Fishin’ to ya!
Capt. Chuck MacIntyre
www.vortexcharters.com
