http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Gag-and-black-grouper-Florida-spiny-lobsters-look-strong_163722095
Gag grouper are showing up in good numbers just north and south of the Tampa shipping channel. During a few trips farther north the gag numbers were lower. Tarpon and less bait north of Clearwater could be the cause. The gag season closes at the end of this year, so many divers and fishermen are trying their best to get offshore and get their share of gags. The big surprise has been the strong showing of Florida spiny lobsters and black grouper. Over the past 10 years, both have been more rare than common; however, over the past few months, divers are finding more spiny lobsters and black grouper living off the Sarasota to St. Petersburg reefs in the 20-pound range. Most divers thought they shot a gag grouper, then once on the boat, they realized it was a black. They look alike in the water. The small golden spots of the black grouper aren’t easily seen at depth. Lobsters have been more common in past years, but they are also smaller. The average size taken has been 2 to 4 pounds. The days of 10-pound lobsters in the Gulf of Mexico are long gone.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
