Kingfish will be the hot topic this week.  Teams will be gearing up and scouting their “honey holes” in preparation for next weekends’ big money “King of the Beach” kingfish tournament presented by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation.  With timing just right, kings were reported caught this week from Manatee County to Clearwater and a few were extra large.  In spite of rough seas and muddy water we caught kings Thursday about halfway out of the ships channel.  Each of ours ate slow trolled shad or mullet.  You’ll likely not catch many schoolies while dragging the bigger baits, but when “hawg huntin” it’s all about quality not quantity.  Sharks have become a nuisance at some of the markers leading to the Whistler.  They don’t mind helping themselves to some of your trolled offerings so bring plenty of extra rigs if you go.  Best of the rest:  It may be a bit early to hunt schools of tarpon migrating along our gulf beaches to sight cast to.  Big numbers however have already pushed into the bays and backwaters.  From now and for the next several weeks, soaking bottom baits on spots that tarpon have been known to roam can be most productive.  Using this method I like a lot of chum to enhance our chances.  Depending on conditions – we’ll cast six or eight rods out in all directions… and wait for a pole to fold.  Tarpon are known to be scavengers and have a varied appetite.  When bottom fishing, I prefer shad for bait over any other.  Alternatives include mullet, ladyfish, pinfish and grunts.

Captain Jay Mastry 

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