Fish Tales
Fishing is great
By CAPT. TYSON WALLERSTEIN
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006  |
Cool dry air and an abundance of baitfish near shore have kingfish anglers salivating. Meanwhile, light-tackle inshore anglers are cashing in on Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and a few other bait-busting predators.
Although peak kingfish season is a few weeks out, early bird anglers are sure to hook up with a few “scouts”. Big baits (i.e. mullet, Spanish mackerel, and shad) are best for luring a big king.
You should troll around schools of bait and hard bottom areas for your best chances at one of these pre-season kings. Middle Ground anglers have been catching them on their flat lines for a couple of weeks now, so it will not be long before their arrival.
Grouper fishing has been good offshore. Many anglers are still making the runs out to the grounds, but the “shallower waters,” around 90 to 100 feet, have definitely picked up.
Plenty of red grouper and the occasional keeper gag have made the trips worth it. Snapper fishing has also been excellent. And with this week’s full moon, the bite should really go off.
The pipeline in 80 to 120 feet of water has been solid for the big three (mangos, American reds, and yellow tail). Chumming the fish close to the surface, with plenty of cut bait, is a productive method for taking all three species. Light leaders and small hooks are the key in fooling the snapper.
Inshore, the pompano fishing has been great for anglers working the Gandy and the Howard Frankland bridges. Scraping the pilings for barnacles will chum up the water and bring the pompano in from a good distance. Small buck tails and Silly Willys in three-eighths to one-half ounce – depending on the water current – will work great.
Tipping your offerings with a piece of fresh shrimp will only help you get bent.
Until next week – GET BENT!
Tyson Wallerstein can be reached at capt.tyson@hotmail.com. If you have a fish picture you would like to see published in the newspaper, send it with your name and where it was caught, to: “Fish Tales,” Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772, or e-mail it to editorial@TBNweekly.com.
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Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006
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