Good Gag Grouper Day
Capt. Woody Gore
January 7, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
FIshing inshore for gag grouper a couple recently we had a good day. Hooked and landed 5 trolling MirrOlure and Mann's Stretch lures and two and bottom knocker rigs using frozen sardines. The wind was a little breezy when trolling but with drift socks positioned on both sides of the bow it kept the boat fairly straight. The area around the Skyway Bridge and fishing piers is loaded with excellent bottom structure and it holds plenty of grouper. If fishing drop rigs I find it better with the tides slow down.
The new regulations for recreational gag grouper anglers is: Bag and possession limit of 2 fish per person, per day, with an aggregate grouper bag limit of 5. It also extends the recreational closed season for gags from February 1 through March 31.
Also the new regulations effective June 1, 2008 also require inshore boating anglers targeting any reef species like gags or snapper to have and use a venting tool, De-hooker, and when using live or dead natural baits you must use inline circle hooks. (Team Marine USA offers an excellent Vent Tool and De-hooker.
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
If you're after a few gags get it done before February 1st.
Target Species:
Gag Grouper
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