Captain’s Corner: Mike Gore

The Tampa Bay Times

Well are we in winter or spring. It is hard to tell with this great weather we have been having and this week is shaping up to look like a great spring day. So pack up the family and get out on the water for some great inshore action.

The light winds and cooler water temperature will allow you to target some offshore species you may not usually go after if you have a smaller boat. This time of year, brings grouper in closer to shore. Keeper red grouper are being caught in 30 to 40 ft of water. Later in the year you would have to venture further out to catch them. Some really big gag grouper in the 15 lb. range are being caught as well. While the gags are nice to catch, we do have to let them go. There are also plenty of Key West grunts to keep you busy.

The trout and flounder bite continue to be impressive. Good numbers are being caught all over the bay. The south shore flats in about 4 ft of water, seems to be their favorite hangout. Look for sandy holes inside of grass patches. The flounder have been held up in the same area but if you can find a sandy rocky bottom you will catch quite a few. Try dragging a shrimp on a # 1 hook with a small split shot across the bottom. Make sure to work it as slow as possible.

The inshore bite continues to be really good. You can catch all the snook you want with some nice redfish mixed in.

Capt. Mike Gore