Near Shore Fishing Tips For the Gulf of Mexico

Fishing near shore reefs and rock bottom will produce quality fish.

Basically we are using a standard red

fish rod and reel set up and taking it out to around 30 ft or so. My main line is 20 lb braid with 25 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader material with a 1 ounce sinker and a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook, using the knocker rig set up.

The bait of choice this time of year (February) would be fresh shrimp (dead or alive) and A LOT of them.

 Our target species for this month would be Key West Grunt, Flounder, Hog fish, Mangrove Snapper and Sheepshead. As always, be ready to get hammered by a nice Gag Grouper that will have to be put back to swim another day.

Catch On Charters provides near shore fishing trips throughout the Tampa Bay area.

I have found when placing your bait down once you have hit the bottom, reel in one or two times.  Once you start feeling the fish do not set the the hook;  just a slight raise of the the rod will do the trick.

GET YOUR CATCH ON

!!!

GOOD LUCK AND TIGHT LINES !