Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Beach Tarpon have arrived. However an active weather pattern over the last several days has made it difficult to pursue the Silver King. Looking at the long range forecast it looks like were going to stuck in this pattern for the next few days. With any luck we’ll start to see the winds switch by the weekend, making for the right conditions for approaching schools of early season tarpon.

 Early morning starts are a must when it comes to beach tarpon. Staging up on the outside sandbar will allow you to make long casts to the fish. Best baits include live crabs, threadfin herring and pinfish. Cork your baits with about a 6ft leader to help keep the baits near the surface where the fish are cruising. Remember to always be courteous to other anglers as a school goes by. There is a good chance another one won’t be to far behind it. Being patient usually pays off.

New moon tides have made for excellent redfishing all week. Target no motor-zone flats for a chance at getting into a school of redfish ranging in size from 24-26 in. Higher than normal tides will have the redfish pushing well underneath the mangroves. Working along the edge of the mangroves and pitching into any small cut or creek entrance will allow you to get your bait into the zone. Most any cut bait will work in this situation or a live pilchard weighted down with a large split shot to help keep it in the spot.

Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com