http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-baitfish-appear-less-abundant/2322051
With the water temperature around 76 degrees, where are the hordes of schoolie kingfish that should be gorging on baitfish as they migrate north to the Panhandle? It may be that baitfish such as Spanish sardines and hardtails are less abundant this year. It has been rare to see the large schools of bait offshore with birds diving into them and fish crashing into them from below. We are catching kingfish by concentrating on artificial reefs and wrecks which seem to be the only places where bait is somewhat abundant. Spanish mackerel fishing has filled the gap left by the kingfish; the best places are the passes into the gulf on an outgoing tide. Light spinning or bait casting tackle provide more sporty action from the spotted cousins of the kingfish. Troll three rods, two with small trolling sinkers, 10 feet of 50 leader and small spoons, along with a spoon behind a No. 1 planer. Red grouper fishing has improved in the 70- to 90-foot depths, and targeting white grunts, Lane, vermilion and mangrove snapper with light tackle and knocker rigs has been very effective. Use the lightest sinker that will get the bait to the bottom and downsize hooks to 2/0 or 3/0. If the current is not moving, fast chum with slivers of sardine to bring the fish within range. Amberjack, triggerfish, gag grouper and red snapper are all closed in the gulf, but provide great catch, photo and release action.
Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
