Captain’s Corner: Mike Gore

The Tampa Bay Times

Normally I would tell you to get out and tarpon fish this week and weekend. The first full moon in June has always been very productive. Unfortunately, it looks like there is a Tropical System building in the Gulf which will bring us high winds and lots of thunderstorms through Sunday. We can only hope this will change.

The tarpon bite has been pretty good the 2^nd half of May and should continue through June. The tarpon have been eating live and cut treadfins on the incoming tide and small blue and pass crabs have worked best on the outgoing tide. Remember to set up above the fish and drift to them. Make sure your bait drifts at the same pace as the boat to make it look natural.

While snook made their transition to the beach earlier than usual this year, you can still find plenty of fish to catch. They are eating scaled sardines. The incoming and outgoing tides are both productive.

The bay is loaded with Spanish mackerel. You can find them on moving water around shoals and the range markers. Use a 40lb leader with a number 1 long shank hook. You can plan on catching your share of sharks as well. A lot of sand sharks have invaded the bay. They are only around 2ft and a lot of fun to catch.

If you are fishing the range markers, make sure you have a pole rigged for cobia. They are all over Tampa Bay right now.

Thanks,

Capt. Mike Gore