Open Season on Many Grouper Species

Capt. Pedro Borrego
February 19, 2014
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report

This Winter's fishing has been good, but I wish I could say the same about the weather. The good news is red and scamp grouper season is going remain open in state waters only (that's less than 9 miles out). All grouper are closed beyond 9 miles (federal waters) until April 1st. Gag grouper will reopen on July 1st and red snapper June 1st. In February, we will only be able to keep red grouper, scamp, gray snapper, mangrove snapper, porgy, sea bass and amberjack. Cut bait works best for all of these guys except for amberjack - they prefer a live bait. Being that the water temps are low, the fish will be in close. So start around 6 miles and work your way out until you see the water temperature approach the mid 70's. Mackerel will start showing up too.

Good luck and happy fishing,

Capt. Pete Borrego
www.offshorehustler.com
1-800-350-5001

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