Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Although we are on the decent of peak tarpon season in Pinellas, the Silver King is still at the top of the list for many.

Slow moving milling pods might not be found again cruising along area beaches until next season but plenty of fish are still coming through and often seem to have more of an appetite than their often pre-occupied brethren. Paying close attention to what fish you do see can give the clues necessary to hook-up.

Anchoring in those productive lanes and keeping fresh baits out will eventually pay off. Pinfish, pumpkin seeds and threadfins are all great choices for bait. Pinfish might be the best however for this style of tarpon fishing, they last the longest and typically swim down when hooked in front of the dorsal fin, staying visible to the deeper traveling fish.

Leaders should be 60 or 80 pound fluorocarbon, and larger 8/0 circle hooks are a must especially when running larger baits. Work the rods aggressively to maintain good separation of baits to cove as much of the lane as possible.

Full moon tides coming next week will draw thousands of tarpon  to Egmont and Bean Point. This will no doubt be a big event for anglers and fish alike as the crabs will be flushing from the Tampa Bay all afternoon. Be sure to stay safe out there and respect other anglers space.

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