Captain’s Corner: Jay Mastry

The Tampa Bay Times

We’ve been waiting on kingfish to show up in better numbers and now that they have inclement weather may force us to wait a bit longer to get back at em’.  A weeks worth of easterly winds has allowed the near shore water in the gulf to clear and has drawn massive schools of bait practically to the beach.  Particularly from Johns Pass to north of Clearwater Pass, mackerel and kings have followed them in taking advantage of the easy pickings.  Saturday during the “King of the Beach” tournament we caught a half dozen kings, all in 20 feet of water or less.  The 39 pounder winning smoker was reportedly caught in 17 feet.  We caught two of ours on shad, a couple others on greenbacks and the others on either whitebait or cigar minnows.  Most of our bait was either cast netted or jiggled up on gold hook rigs right where we were slow trolling.  Though this wind and rain may be a nuisance for a few days – it may be just what we need to help extend our season.  Water temperature is pushing 80 degrees in some areas, warmer than the kingfish prefer.  A cool front will bring it down a little more to their liking and hopefully bring another wave of fish down from the north.  Tournament organizers have become creative in offering ways to win.  This weekends’ tournament sponsored by Dogfish Tackle awards the biggest prize to the angler weighing a king closest to 25 pounds.  They have a big fish division and others too.  Weather may effect the date – so be sure and check the Dogfish Tackle website. 

Captain Jay Mastry