Now that the Florida winter has set in and we are experiencing the cold fronts sweeping in and disrupting our time on the water, we have some different fish to chase. Two prime examples are hogfish and gag grouper. We also target sheepshead and white grunts. We mostly bottom fish for all these targets, using different rigs and different baits. Join us fo a day on the water (if the cold fronts let us out) and try your luck for these fine-eating fish.

On Oct. 26, we fished a local tournament and had a great time. The wind and waves were up but we caught some nice fish anyhow. We didn’t win but that’s ok.

We have been catching Spanish mackerel more regularly lately, but the barracuda are waiting for us to hook up. Then, when we are reeling in the poor, unsuspecting Spanish, the 'cuda strikes and rips the Spanish in half. One was so badly ripped, all we had left on the line was the mouth and teeth! We have been catching a few barracuda, as well--just for revenge.

We were out in 72 ft. of water near the Tampa ship channel and caught this nice red grouper. We boated a second one, but it was an inch short of the required length--oh well. They both put up quite a fight, hiding among the rocks and holes in the hard bottom.

We had a fun day on South County Art. Reef yesteray. Spanish and king mackerel were plentiful, but the Bonita stole the show. These hard fighting bundles of energy gave the clients lots of action.

It was Chris' birthday and his wife bought him, his dad and brother a day of fishing. Things started out slowly with one too-small Spanish in JP and So. County Reef produced nothing. When we got out to the ship channel, things heated up fast. Chris got a big early season king that got high-fives all around. Then his dad landed a nice one, as well. We picked up a nice Spanish going back in John's Pass to round out the cooler. Lots of food for the family. And the USCG paid us a friendly visit-very efficient and knowledgable people. Since I was recently inspected, they really didn't find anything to write up, so we were quickly on our way. Thanks to the USCG for watching over us.