Captain’s Corner: Bill Hardman

The Tampa Bay Times

Spearfishermen are still having issues with finding underwater visibility that is conducive to good underwater hunting.  In the shallow off-shore areas, depths from 30’ to 60’ the underwater visibility has recently just started to improve.  At the beginning of this week, our divers found visibility in 40 feet of water that changed from as good as 20’ of horizontal visibility to as low as ten feet, when the tides changed.

Farther off-shore has been better for the divers.  The horizontal visibility in the Middle Grounds is still averaging from 40’ to 70’.  If you can get out that far, in between the windy weather, you should find strong concentrations of fish.  Gag groupers are scattered in the Middle Grounds but when you find good bait there are usually a few nice size Gags skirting underneath the bait.  Also hunting bait with the Gags are Mangrove Snappers, Hogfish and Jolthead Porgies. 

These benthic (bottom) fish can be surprised as the diver gently moves through the bait and upon the fish.  Any quick movements with scatter the bait and the fish will jolt and scatter as well.  The Gags are the more-wary of these fish and to get close enough for a shot, blend in with the bait pods and then let the bait move away from you.  As they move away, you may catch a grouper or snapper holding back and watching the bait.  This is a good time to make your move and take the shot.

Capt. Bill Hardman teaches classes and runs trips for Scuba, Spearfishing, Technical & Freediving courses at Aquatic Obsessions, 6193 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL  33710.  You can reach Capt. Hardman at (727) 344-3483 (DIVE) or CaptainBillHardman@gmail.com