The Tampa Bay Times
Offshore water conditions, for spearfishermen, have improved over the past couple weeks. Just a few short weeks ago the underwater visibility had been terrible and now, due partially to the lack of rain and runoff of rainwater from land the water has cleared up. The water temperatures are staring to move up too. The offshore water temperature in 50’ of water is hovering just under 70 degrees on surface and about 64 degrees on the seafloor. Spearfishers and those using hook and line are having to still move into deeper water to find keeper red grouper. Most of the keeper red groupers are in 80’ and deeper. Mangrove snappers and hogfish are still plentiful in most depths. Mangrove snappers are quick fish and it’s usually very difficult to get a quality shot at some of the bigger and more wary of these snappers; however, as the bottom water is still pretty chilly, these bigger snappers are more sluggish. Their slower escape can sometimes make the difference between harvesting a bigger snapper and just watching as the big snapper’s tail disappears into the darkness under the reef. Florida spiny lobster season is still open and lobsters are a little sluggish too! Look into every crack and under every piece of structure for these tasty crustaceans. A good underwater light is paramount. Over the past couple weeks some of our divers have harvested some big male lobsters in the seven to eight pound range. Most have been in water less than 60’.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
