What's Biting

Below you will find some of the possible species of fish we may catch during our charters.  Call today and find out about recent catch reports and book a trip to see if you can catch the fish of your dreams.

Tarpon are often referred to as the Silver King. They can be spotted just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months. These giants range from 40-200lbs, being caught on 20-60lb line. Depending on the avalibility of the pass crabs, pinfish, threadfin or white bait the type of bait used will vary. Quite unique, are a few characteristics of these dinosaurs. While fishing for a Tarpon can seem more like hunting they will be spotted while flashing their silvery hued, armour hard sides, inorder to surface breath for air.  Another amazing spectacle is the grace of or lifting up of their bodies out and on top of the water in a violent dance of survival when hooked.  Although these fish are not kept to be enjoyed for dinner the stories they will bring to the dinner table make a day of Tarpon fishing worth the lifetime of memories.

BlackTip Shark are active in both the springtime and the summer all along the coast. Often times they are found working a school of bait or surrounding the kingfish.  These Sharks are generally caught on 20lb to 50lb line.  However if bigger sharks of various species are sited in the surrounding area the plan of attack may change. Larger species such as the Bull Shark, Spinner or Hammerhead require heavier line, anywere from 50lb to 200lb and the bait size also increases.

Gag grouper are located on live bottom, ledges, or rock piles. They can be found shallow or deep depending on the time of year you are fishing for them. The  fight given by both the gag or his cousin the red grouper can be compared to the game "tug of war". If you don't tug hard, and reel quick these fish will take you for a visit to the rocks. Gags run up to 25lbs in the local shallow waters off the Pinellas County coastline.

Barracuda are one of the more aggressive predators that are found off the Pinellas county beaches. These fish usually range from 10 to 30lbs. With larger ones as big as 50lbs. To target this species we use live spanish mackerel or bluerunners, or spanish sardines. The bait is  placed on a steel wire rig and slow trolled behind the boat. When the barracuda hits you better be ready for a fight. Some fish will jump as high a fifteen feet in the air and can peel all the line off your reel in a matter of seconds! One of our favorite spots for barracuda are local wrecks and reefs. This can be great action for children new to the exciting sport of fishing.

Goliath Groupers are one of the largest fish we catch on Florida's West Coast. Most fish are in the 200lb range with giants up to 600lbs. These fish are usually found living around structures such as wrecks or large lime stone ledges. To target these fish first we will anchor over wreck. Next we will hook on a whole Bonita to one over giant fishing rods. The bait is then dropped to the bottom. Better get ready because it's like trying to pull a Volkswagen up from the deep!

Cobia are a migratory species that visit the Tampa Bay waters in the spring and fall. Fish are generally between 25 and 50lbs with fish as large as 80lbs being caught, with 33 inches to the fork of the tail being considered a keeper. Pound for pound I would say cobia are one of the strongest fish. They can be found anywere there is a structure, wrecks, local reefs. They can be found in singles and in packs and can be caught with just about any kind of bait (meaning live or artifical ) , these fish are very curious.

Amberjack fishing is a heavy duty battle with a hard fighting fish.  After a few of these you will be ready to retire your pole for the rest of the day. Amberjack gather in schools around Pinellas counties reefs and wrecks. Sizes range form 10 to 60lbs, (with the average at 20-30lbs ) . Don't say we didn't warn you!