The Tampa Bay Times

Dave Zalewski 460-9893The pelagic (trolling) season is now in full swing. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, bonita, cobia and barracuda are now our targeted species for at least part of our trips offshore. Spanish mackerel are biting on many days before we have entered the Gulf of Mexico. Many of our passes have no wake zones and idle speed is almost the perfect speed to deploy a #1 planer and an 0 or 1 spoon. If the water is clear it is not uncommon to catch several mackerel before entering the gulf. No matter what direction one chooses to run offshore, there will be an artificial reef on the way and it is always worthwhile to stop and spend some time trolling with either hardware or live bait. Before the winds kicked up from this recent front great catches of mackerel were being reported between the John’s Pass and Pass-a Grille markers. Diving birds indicate predators are cutting the baitfish into pieces leaving some for the terns and pelicans. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, bonita and barracuda can be found on or near the high profile structure found on the near shore reefs such as St Petersburg Beach and Treasure Island. Large piles of concrete structure can be found placed over the site. These reefs are 2000 feet long and about 300 feet wide. The key to success is finding the structure by use of a sonar or observing where the bait stacks are located. Once one is located it pays to mark it on a GPS so no time is wasted looking for structure on your next trip. The mid-water reefs such as South County are a ¼ mile square with concrete piles, barges and bridge rubble scattered all over them. Published GPS numbers are for the center of each reef. Taking the time to explore them and locate the structure will result in more successful trips.

CapMel Staff
Latest posts by CapMel Staff (see all)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR