Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        Throughout the summer months I tend to focus my attention on Spanish mackerel.  Of course there are tarpon, redfish, and snook available, but they receive a lot of pressure on a daily basis and become increasingly more difficult to catch.  Mackerel on the other hand, are always eager to take bait and provide great action for my family charters.  Anchoring near structure and chumming is my go-to method for bringing the fish right to the boat. Baits are free-lined without any weight or float so they can swim naturally in the current flow.  A short trace of light wire is used ahead of the hook to prevent cut-offs from the mackerel’s razor sharp teeth. This technique also attracts small sharks, bluefish, cobia, and more that always ramps up the fun factor. Most fish are released as I only keep what can be eaten fresh that night if dinner is part of the plan. Spanish mackerel does not freeze well.