The Tampa Bay Times

We are starting to feel the presences of some migratory fish this past 2  weeks. A few kings were landed by anglers in the midst of the massive schools of spanish mackerels. Small baits schools are being ravaged by mackerels from the shoreline, all the way out to 60 feet of water. Ideal water temps are not quite here yet for a full on kingfish migration. It is however, normal for anglers to catch a few early arrivers in late September. The water temps dipping down to the lower 80’S  is the trigger. This year, the occurrence took place with water temps of 83 degrees, combined with strong east winds for days.
      Along with the few stray kingfish, other species  are also migrating our way. A few large cobias have been present on wrecks and reefs that contour our shoreline. These fish are always a treat for anglers. They not only taste delicious, but can put on quite a show boatside. These curious fish will often swim directly to the boat,  investigating the situation. This allows  alert anglers to quickly grab a baited rod and get to work. Sometime they will wander off after a few seconds , so a speedy presentation of bait can often be the deal maker.   They aren’t the pickiest fish, eating most anything that wiggles. A pinfish can be a  generic baitfish at certain times of the year, but  its a first choice for me.  
    Also arriving closer to shore are a few decent gag groupers. Numerous fish have been landed by trollers. Some were caught on a spoon intended for mackerels. Others were caught with specific lures designed for them. Large lipped lures diving 20 feet and deeper. A large variety of colors and sizes are available at most tackle stores. Trolling over many areas of hard rocky bottom within 40 feet of water  is the best technique.  Numbers of gag groupers have been slim for the entire summer, so  this may  be a  good sign for our upcoming fall /winter grouper season. Ideal water temps for inshore gag groupers is lower than 80 degrees.  As the water temps drop toward  70 degree mark,  the action can often pick up even more.  All these arrivals of new fish comes in waves. A few cool fronts will expedite larger  migratory numbers our way.  

CapMel Staff
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