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Dense fog and winter habits kept most anglers in the coastal rivers and creeks this past weekend, says Capt. Dave Lear (320-2001; captaindavelear.com). But all signs are pointing to an early spring and the fish returning to the flats. Aside from near record high temperatures, flocks of migrating robins, tulip trees in full bloom and red maples budding are indications that it won’t be long before the action picks up on the flats again. In the meantime, focus on the transitional zones. Oyster bars, shallow mud flats that are warmed by mid-day sun and rock piles that absorb heat will hold fish. A degree or two of additional heat can make a difference. For lures, minnow patterns retrieved slowly, large jerk baits and small spoons (to match the hatch) are effective. Mud minnows are a good choice for live bait right now. And please send in an email to the Florida Wildlife Commission before February 8, 2012. If you want to be able to continue to catch grouper on the flats, your help is desparately needed. See article below.
DON'T FORGET TO FILE A FLOAT PLAN WITH US. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR CHECK-OUT COUNTER.
And if you like to fish for grouper in the Spring & Fall when they are swimming in shallow waters, referred to as State waters rather than Federal waters, then please be advised that you need to send an email to COMMISSIONERS@MYFWC.COM.
What's going on:
Under a proposed FWC rule change, the hundreds of small boat (17-22 feet) grouper fishers who historically enjoy spring and fall shallow-water grouper fishing in Big Bend state waters (out 9 miles) will no longer be able to do so. NOAA Fisheries wants the FWC (which has total jurisdiction over state waters) to have state gag grouper season coincide with the federal season, which starts in July after all legal grouper have left state waters which are the shallow waters that small boats historically fish in during Spring & Fall.
We are asking FWC to consider an exemption for the shallow state waters of the Big Bend and to continue to allow the traditional spring and fall season for gags in state waters off our coastlines up here in the Florida Panhandle. There is already an exemption for Monroe County in the Keys so there is no reason not to grant another exception.
FL Location Open Tuesday - Sunday from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
