Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        Large Spanish mackerel have been my primary target recently as they roam around area passes.  A frozen chum block hung from a transom cleat has been all that’s needed to attract them to the anchored boat.  Good tidal flow is a key element for this method of fishing as it draws the fish in from a distance and puts them in a feeding mood.  My favorite technique is to anchor over natural limestone outcroppings or artificial reefs to allow for bottom fishing for snapper, sea bass, and white grunts while waiting for the mackerel to work their way up the chum slick.  Surface rods rigged with a small trace of wire are fished back in the current for the mackerel.  Frisky live baits will draw the quickest strikes.  If a baitfish becomes lethargic it should be tossed out as chum and traded for a fresh one from the well.