Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
November 30, 2003
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
December Offshore Gulf Forecast
I really can’t think of a better place to enjoy the month of December than fishing out on the Gulf of Mexico along the coastline of South West Florida. Cooling water temperatures should help get the grouper and snapper in the feeding mood. So far this season we really haven’t had much in the way of cold weather fronts yet. Who knows, a good blast of cold air might be just what these fish need to really get them fired up. Of course, in my opinion, the best time to fish will be when the sun is shinning and the wind is not blowing too hard. Look for these nicer days after the cold fronts have blown through and high pressure has brought with it clear blue skies, plenty of warm sun, and flat calm sea conditions.
Following is a gulf fishing forecast for the month of December.
Kingfish action should continue to be good right into December. Last year we were catching king mackerel on New Year’s Day. Passing cold fronts may churn the water muddy, so look for kings in clean water conditions. You may have to run a few miles farther offshore to find the clean water, but the rewards could be well worth the effort.
Spanish mackerel are usually a dependable catch right though the end of the month. Some of the biggest Spanish will be caught within a mile of the coastline. Live baits such as pilchards are hard to beat to get the Spanish mackerel hitting.
Gag grouper fishing should really start picking up now that winter is on our doorstep. The cooler water temperatures that are pushing the kingfish south will often push gag grouper into short bottom. To catch them I suggest you concentrate on hard bottom such as a ledge, an area of coral, shipwreck, or one of the artificial reefs. Some of the best grouper bites we’ve been on have been located just by searching with the bottom machine. Once you find some sort of structure, the key to success is to try to get your boat anchored directly over or up wind of it. Now, using live and or cut bait drop your rig to the bottom. It’s really that simple! A good stout pole with heavy line (50-pound test) should be used. Gags tend to hit hard, and then run for the nearest cover, so hang on and crank the handle!
Red grouper are always a standby. Once you’ve tried a couple rock ledges with no success with gags or mangroves, consider searching out some red grouper. Any sort of hard bottom outside of 75’ foot of water will usually hold some keeper reds. Most natural baits will work, and sometimes the stinkier the bait the better. Nothing works like an old piece of cut mullet or bonito to get a big red grouper to bite.
Mangrove snapper should help to fill the gap if the gag groupers don’t want to cooperate. You’ll find these tasty snappers at the same hot spots as the groupers. When targeting mangrove snapper try using a lighter rod to increase the hits. I like to use a 30-pound rig. Snapper will hit just about any natural bait when they’re hungry. When the bite slows, try switching what bait you’re using.
Triggerfish are one of my favorite fish to eat. They usually hang on structure. Keeping your gear light, and hooks small will greatly increase your triggerfish catches. One of the best baits to use when fishing for triggers is shrimp.
Greater amberjack are one of the hardest fighting fish you will encounter on the gulf. If you’re looking to do battle with one of these brawlers, try fishing over and around some of the deeper wrecks, and artificial reefs. Live fish such as grunts, pinfish, and threadfin sardines make great bait.
Blackfin tuna may still be around for a while in December. Most of the blackfins I’ve caught have been on live bait fish. When bottom fishing for grouper, I always try to keep a couple live baits free lined out behind the boat. Most of the blackfin tuna we’ve caught aboard the Legacy are caught using this method.
Cobia should still be around in December. Some of these fish will top the scales at over 80 pounds, so be sure to eat your wheaties. Generally, cobia love to hang around structure, so fishing around ship wrecks will be a good area to start you search.
Well, good luck and good fishing, and remember if you’re not out fishin you’re wishin you were. Get out and go fishin cuz’ it’s good fer ya!
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