Captain’s Corner: Mike Gore

The Tampa Bay Times

I would like to wish all the fathers out there a happy Father’s Day. It looks like we will finally get back to our normal summer pattern this week. Last weeks rain and strong West winds really made it tough to fish.

If Tarpon is on your mind, then next weekend is the time to target them. A new moon on Sunday should kick off a good week of fishing as long as they don’t go offshore to spawn. If they don’t, expect to find them on beach and passes early morning. With all the rain we had last week I expect there will be a big crab flush on the outgoing tide. You should be able to catch tarpon at the bridges and passes on the outgoing tide. 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.

I am surprised with the water temperature sitting at 86 degrees to still find so many Snook sitting on the shallow water flats. They are eating everything in sight like it was Spring. Take advantage of it while it lasts. The big females have made their way to the beach and passes. They are not eating that well yet. The ones that are eating have come from soaking a dead bait on the bottom.

The bay is loaded with Spanish mackerel. You can find them on moving water around shoals and the range markers. Use a 50lb 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.

Capt. Mike Gore