Captain’s Corner: Jay Mastry

The Tampa Bay Times

With water temperature now in the low sixties, gathering whitebait on the flats has been challenging.  Up until last weekend we’ve managed to get them but it ain’t been easy.  Anchoring and chumming to coax them out of the deep grass they’ve been hiding in has been necessary.  Perhaps even now, and if it gets any colder they will abandon the flats and seek deeper, warmer water.  Several range markers in the bay will at times draw bait to them.  Bridges are another good bet and the Skyway Bridge in particular has long been as consistent a “bait hole” as I know of.  While I’ve always preferred whitebait when mangrove snapper fishing in the bay, on each of our last couple trips, shrimp has been as productive.  Not sure if the mangos can’t see the minnows as well in the dirty water or if they’re going by smell.  I like biting or pinching the tail off my shrimp to get a bit more scent in the water.  During these cold and dirty conditions, sheepshead will be high on our target list through next month.  You need not use a whole shrimp when “sheepie” fishing.  They’ll sniff out just a piece when dropped on the structure they’re hanging around.  Each year during January and February offshore trips can be hit or miss.  With another front coming through every few days, planning can be difficult.  Deal with the conditions left by the last front.  Do not despair.  Do not sell your boat and all your tackle.  Stay positive and soon we’ll be back to our normal pattern of beautiful days and calm seas.

Captain Jay Mastry