This year we get to target the gag grouper September 1^st to the 14^th. This gives us two weeks to offer fishing charters to target them specifically if our customers choose to do so. These fish are one of the toughest fighting fish that Tampa Bay has to offer and one of the tastiest fish to eat. The fight does not last long in shallow water. We like to target these fish all around Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay on the natural ledges, rock piles, artificial reefs, and bridges. For someone without a boat the Sunshine Skyway north and south fishing piers are great spots to fish for the gag grouper.

Some of the preferred ways that we like to target the gag grouper are by using live bait and trolling artificial lures. The live bait usually gives us more bites and chances to land the fish and the trolling benefits include pulling the fish from the structure faster and better hook sets once the fish bite the lure. Some of the live baits the we like to use on our fishing charters include the threadfin herring, pinfish, and grunts. The trolling lures that we like to use are big lipped hard baits like the halco trolling plugs and the rapala trolling plugs X15 for water less than 20 feet deep.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto areas give me a call or text 813-220-8725. We offer family friendly fishing charters and cater all the way to the professionals. We fish with fresh caught live bait that is caught in the morning before your fishing charter begins.