http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Take-advantage-of-trolling-season_167740823
The pelagic (trolling) season is in full swing. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, bonita and barracuda are targeted species for at least part of our trips offshore. Spanish mackerel are often biting before we have entered the Gulf of Mexico. Many passes have no-wake zones, and idle speed is almost the perfect speed to deploy a No. 1 planer and a 0 or 1 spoon. If the water is clear, it’s not uncommon to catch several mackerel before entering the gulf. Artificial reefs are in all directions, and it is always worthwhile to stop and troll with either hardware or live bait. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, bonita and barracuda can be found on or near the high-profile structure found on the nearshore reefs such as St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island. Large piles of concrete structure can be found placed over the site. These reefs are 2,000 feet long and about 300 feet wide. Find the structure by using a sonar or observing where bait stacks are located. Once one is located, mark it on a GPS so no time is wasted looking for structure on your next trip. The midwater reefs such as South County are a quarter-mile square with concrete piles, barges and bridge rubble scattered all over them.
Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
