Captain’s Corner: Rob Gorta

The Tampa Bay Times

Threadfin herring and Scaled sardines can be found up and down our suncoast.  Most of the bait is on the smaller side, so I use a ¼ inch mesh cast net to prevent the smaller baits from getting stuck in the net. Learning to how to throw a cast net can be one of the best things that anyone could ever learn in our area. We are fortunate to have one of the healthiest, and most variety of baitfish anywhere. Filling the live well with threadfins, scaled sardines, pinfish, grunts, mullet, ladyfish, and shrimp will provide action for any targeted species.  The main goal is to have the proper bait for anything that might happen.   Spanish mackerel, bonita, sharks and jack crevalles are the prominent species that are will be on the prowl. Sea trout, one of the most popular and easiest of all to catch is slowly showing up on the grass flats now that the water temperatures are lower from all the rain. Trout was hit hard with the pollution discharge last summer, so it’s nice to see them on recent trips. I have been taking advantage of the deep grass flats in 5 to 9 feet of water. All the above-mentioned species can be found in this area.  Once I am set over the grass, I start live bait chumming. This starts a feeding frenzy of any species in the area.  Action is fast and furious and every cast that is made results in a strike.

Captain Rob Gorta

727-647-7606

www.captainrobgorta.com