Unlike the always warmer waters of Key West, Tampa Bay waters do get cold which can limit catching the big ones that migrate south for the winter. One had to be creative. Big snook, trout and redfish are scarce due to low, low tides leaving the shallows dry and desolate. I go the the artificial reefs and ship channel edges for big Gag groupers ranging up to 30 plus inches. They fight like hooking a freight train trying to stick to the bottom and cut the line in the rocks where they live. You have to mad dog mean and stronger than them to get them to the boat. And it’s worth it! Warning if you can’t lift 30 pounds this is not for you.

The hurricane has gone . It’s going to be a beautiful start to the long awaited Gag Grouper season. As of now it runs from September 1 to November 10. Minimum size to keep is 24” and allowed to keep 2 . Time is waisting! Let’s Go Fishing!

36 incch Cobia in upper Tampa Bay