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Daily fishing report

The kingfish action has been hot all week. Working artificial reefs from the Betty Rose to the shipping channel produced kings in the 10- to 20-pound class. Small kings slammed cigar minnows free-lined over structure. The bigger kings wanted our slow-trolled shad.

Southeast winds should keep the kingfish close to shore. Most of the action is off Clearwater south to Boca Grande. Big kings are on the beach and out to 60 feet. Look for birds, bait or mackerel action to locate the schools. Troll live bait if you want the smokers. Mullet, ladyfish, shad and mackerel are great big-fish baits.

Flats fishing for redfish in lower Tampa Bay has been tough. The schools are easily spooked and don't like to stay in the same area. Some days you can pick up a few if boat traffic is slow. The trout are big and bad when the bite is on. Fishing the last of the incoming tide has produced trout up to 6 pounds. Big trout hit a strawberry slug tail dragged over the sand that lines the edge of the grass. Look for overcast days.

Tarpon are moving into bay area bridges. Look for fish rolling in the early morning. A free-lined threadfin is hard to beat when worked along the shadow line. Don't anchor or drive down current of other boats. Drift up and anchor in an empty bay. Don't forget to tie on the throw ball to your anchor. When a fish hits, untie the anchor and throw the line and ball into the water.

-- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

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