Captain’s Corner: Jay Mastry

The Tampa Bay Times

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?  Take your Mom fishin’.  If you can’t take yours…. borrow someone else’s.  What better way to show her how much you care.  Nothing says “thank you” like hooking her up to a hundred plus pound tarpon.  Then watch Mom versus beast tug of war for the next hour or so.  It’ll give you the opportunity to tell her how grateful you are for all she’s done.  If a bit more exhausting than she may be into, trolling for kingfish is an option.  With water temperature still in the 70’s, there are still plenty of kingfish around.  They can be every bit as exciting to catch and a whole lot easier on your back.  We’ve observed schools of mackerel crashing on the surface nearly everywhere we’ve been inside Tampa Bay .  From the ships channel just inside the Skyway to the Gandy Bridge we’ve caught mackerel on every rock pile we’ve fished while bottom fishing.  Mangrove snapper are another option and bait is going to be the key.  You’ll catch some on shrimp, squid or cut bait but nothing draws their attention like a frisky whitebait.  Do all you can to gather some before you go.  Whichever option you decide, be aware only two days off the full moon there will be some ripping tides.  A study of the tide chart may help you decide when and where you want to go.  Either way, what can be possibly better than spending quality time on the water with your Mom (or somebody else’s) soaking up some salt air and sunshine?

Captain Jay Mastry