Dave Zalewski

Tampa Bay Times Dave Zalewski 460-9893

Now that the water temperature has reached 80 degrees in the gulf it is time to forget about kingfish for the most part and concentrate on other species. Spanish mackerel will help fill the gap for both those trolling hardware and live baiters. Tampa Bay and the Skyway piers will produce throughout the summer along with the entrances of any pass into the Gulf of Mexico. Two factors will help in planning a trip to target mackerel. Tides are the first. An outgoing tide flushes all types of baits from the bays into the gulf, especially on the full and new moons when tidal flow is the strongest. The other is the solunar tables. Pelagic fish seem to strike better on both the major and minor periods. When targeting mackerel a combination of outgoing tide and a major or a minor will many times result in non stop action.
Barracuda are finally showing up on many of the artificial reefs and wrecks. Trolling plugs, large spoons, and tube lures at 5.5 to 6 knots over the structure often will result in a memorable battle. Large blue runners slow trolled also are a very effective barracuda bait.
Red grouper, Lane snapper, white grunts, mangrove snapper and trigger fish are a few of the species that will contribute to a colorful tasty box of fish for those bottom fishing in the 70 to 90 foot depths. It is tough to remember all the seasons and size limits for the fish in the gulf. We have Fish Rules, a free app, downloaded on our phones that will give updated information.

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