CAPT. BILL MILLER
“OUTDOORS PROFESSIONAL”
Marketing/Sales Specialist • Grand Master Angler • TV Host/Writer

 

BILL’S FISHING REPORTS
Current Advice for Catching More Fish

Heavy Tackle Helps Catch Grouper

Posted September 27
By Bill Miller
Tampa Bay grouper have fired up. The Sunshine Skyway fishing piers report good grouper action on outgoing tides. Tail-hooked pinfish, drifted away from the bridge with the tide, are being nailed by keeper grouper on the reefs that were built parallel to the bridge. Heavy tackle is needed, because these reefs are 50 yards or more from the bridge, and when grouper hit they run straight for the reef. You’ll need the heavy stuff to haul them out.
Deep trolling the ship channel edges has produced multiple keeper grouper this week. Eight-ounce white jigs with chartreuse or hot pink rubber tails attached have been the hot lures. Downriggers or No. 3 planers should be used to get the lures to the bottom-dwelling grouper.
Captain Jonathan Davis has been scoring with redfish along the Bulkhead flats. Potholes and sloughs have water that is a little deeper than most of the flat. Look there for the reds. Trout are showing in good numbers in the heavy grass areas. Use white bait.
Plenty of late-season tarpon are north of the Courtney Campbell Parkway. Bait Busters and MirrOlures are working the best.
Deep-water anglers report kingfish on the heavy structure and big ledges. Kings should follow bait and move inshore as waters cool.
Captain Bill Miller hosts “Hooked on Fishing” on Thursdays and Sundays from 7-8 p.m., and Fridays and Mondays from 11 a.m.-noon on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

Reprinted with permission of The Tampa Tribune

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