By Capt. David M Rieumont Posted 11.5.09

The Spanish mackerel bite is very good right now all over North Pinellas County beaches and passes. Mixed in with the Spanish mackerel are bluefish, ladyfish, sharks and more. Every pass holds these fish.

To keep the bite going for long periods cut up some freshly caught live bait and toss it out into the tide. After chumming many sharks will come into the chum line. So if you want to catch a few, have some wire rigs or use a circle hook and some heavy monofilament leader. Please have the proper releasing equipment for the sharks. It’s so he does not hurt you and you do not hurt or kill him. They are an important part of our resource. The pass between Honeymoon Island and Three Rooker Bar has been exceptional. A 1/0 long shank hook with 30lb fluorocarbon leader gets the job done for your Spanish mackerel and bluefish.

Remember to keep your drag light. There is plenty of trout at all the islands off the intercoastal waterway. Scaled Sardines free lined and on a cork worked well. When the wind let us we would drift and jig the grass around the islands and it also produced trout and ladyfish. Snook, redfish and trout can be caught in most places along the mainland just east of the intercoastal water way. If you are a kayak fisherman this is your time to shine. Many places have kayak access on the mainland.

Mac McDonald has been catching redfish, snook and trout out of his kayak using many different lures. Mac has been fishing areas that are not very accessible to boats. Kayak fisherman like Mac become experts on lure selection. Throwing lures 100% of the time gives you great working knowledge on what, where, when and how to use the right lure under your current conditions. It’s always good to pick the brain of a kayak fisherman.

Mac McDonalds over the slot red, which was released to catch again.



Wishing you great fishing and tight lines.