Captain’s Corner: Dave Zalewski

The Tampa Bay Times

Dave Zalewski 460-9893

Instead of solid bookings through April, we have experienced solid cancellations due to the Corona virus that has kept most people from traveling and experiencing the great fishery that our area has to offer. Our last trip offshore was a preview of what was to come. Four adults and two kids made up the group and it was obvious that the adults were along for the ride and attention was focused on making sure the kids had a memorable experience. Leaving the Madeira Beach Marina and heading for John’s Pass, we deployed #1 planers and small spoons once we reached a depth of 10 feet. The no wake zone requires reducing speed to the optimum 5.5 knots trolling speed. Each youngster had the opportunity to put 2 Spanish mackerel in the cooler even before we reached the bridge. Expecting the Spanish mackerel bite to be exceptional because of the action in the pass, we pulled up the lines and proceeded to Treasure Island artificial reef. One mackerel and numerous blue runners, which went into the live well, were the only fish caught. South County was the next stop and it was a complete strikeout, Bait was evident, but no predators were willing to strike the spoons and plugs deployed throughout the water column. We began to think that we should have stayed trolling in John’s Pass and the decision was made to go bottom fishing in the 70 to 90 foot depths.
Birds and surface activity caused us to stop our travel to the bottom fishing area and larger spoons were put out behind #1 and 2 planers. Double header strikes ensued and both of the kids boated their first kingfish. Success! The previously caught blue runners were put out on stinger rigged light tackle outfits and 2 more kingfish were boxed. The adults provided a valuable conservation lesson to the kids when they said 4 were enough for our needs. Even though the limit is two per person.
It must have been good karma to leave them biting because the bottom fishing in 90 foot yielded a few keeper red grouper, numerous white grunts, mangrove, Lane and vermillion snapper.