Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        I have a 3 catfish rule.  98% of the red fishing I do is with cut-bait on the bottom.  In most circumstances this sounds like a sure fire recipe for catching catfish.  But surprisingly, if redfish are present I rarely catch a cat.  This is where the 3 catfish rule comes into play.  If I catch three catfish without catching any reds it’s time to pick up and move.  On the other hand, if an occasional cat is hooked but I’m also catching reds I’ll stick it out.  The sacrifice is worth it.  Fresh cut-bait is preferred although frozen will work.  My favorite is large threadfins, followed by pinfish and ladyfish.  The technique is simple, fan cast out several baits and allow them to naturally sit on the bottom.  Placing the rods in a holder works perfectly as the rod holder won’t jerk the bait out of the fish’s mouth when he picks it up.  A bonus to this method of fishing is the alternate species that may be hooked including snook, large trout, flounder, and small sharks.