http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-get-ready-for-a-tarpon-frenzy/2323187

\With our spring run of kingfish winding down, many will focus on the mighty silverking. The days surrounding Tuesday’s full moon will likely jumpstart a tarpon frenzy that frankly doesn’t need much help. There are already migrating schools along the gulf beaches and there have been tarpon ganged up in the bay for a couple weeks. The big afternoon outgoing tides of this moon phase will have crabs swept from the bay, and tarpon will instinctively bunch up to take advantage. The Sunshine Skyway bridge and the passes on either side of Egmont Key and Bean Point (the north end of Anna Maria) are a few traditional hot spots to ambush a few during this phase. Tarpon are creatures of habit and often return to the same areas year after year. Early arrivals will many times roam well up inside the bays and backwaters. Rocky Point, Lizard Flats, the “Bootleg” and Bayboro Harbor are worth a look. While “beach fishing” for tarpon is more glamorous, fishing the “mudholes” in the bays and backwaters is equally as productive. Over the years we’ve battled early season tarpon in Port Manatee, Bishops Harbor, Terra Ceia Bay and the Manatee River. Tarpon fishing’s popularity is at an all-time high. Fishing in a crowd has become the norm. Be patient and considerate. Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

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