http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-big-offshore-species-provide-endless-excitement/2331890
Trolling offshore is as hot as the weather. In the mix are Spanish mackerel, scattered kingfish, barracuda, bonita, an occasional cobia and sharks. Boats on long-distance trips are encountering mahi-mahi, sailfish, tuna and wahoo. The average angler can experience some of the same aerial acrobatics and drag-screaming runs by targeting species closer to shore. Barracuda strike with a vengeance and provide runs, leaps and a strong fight that will wear an angler out when fished on light tackle. Bonita will provide almost the same long runs and head-shaking battles that blackfin tuna do. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and wahoo are in the same family. Wahoo are found way offshore, while their smaller cousins can be readily targeted much closer. Bluewater trolling for large species is often called hours of boredom with moments of insanity. Properly done by targeting high-profile structure such as artificial reefs and wrecks near shore, trolling is never boring. The key is placing live or artificial baits directly over the targeted structure as much as possible.
Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
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