The Tampa Bay Times
Fishing has turned on in the North Pinellas region. Bait is everywhere along the beach. Schools of sardines are showing up every morning by the millions. As soon as the light creeps over the horizon, the pelicans hit the bait in 1 to 3 feet of water. One throw of the net will completely fill the live well. Nearshore fishing has provided lots of action. Large bait schools have attracted a few kingfish within 3 to 5 miles but mostly large spanish mackerel are attacking freelined baits. Nearshore artificial reefs are a good place to start. Chumming heavily with sardines caught earlier or hanging a chum bag will bring them to the boat while on anchor. I’m using 2/0 to 3/0 long shank hooks and 30 pound leader on light tackle rods. Occasionally a small kingfish will peel off a lot of line. So far they’ve been in the 8 to 12 pound range so they are manageable on light tackle. Inshore fishing has also improved lately, with redfish cooperating, showing up in the usual spots along oyster bars, under the mangroves, even in some of the cuts near the passes. Pinfish, sardines, and artificials have all been working. I still favor the higher tides as they school near the mangroves making it easier to target them. Trout are also thriving. Larger fish have been caught in 6 to 8 feet of water near jetties or deep cuts along the passes. The grass flats have held smaller fish from 12 to 16 inches. Snook are still transitioning towards the back country. Many of the spoil Islands from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs are holding snook as they make their way to the mainland.
- Captains Corner - March 23, 2024
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