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© St. Petersburg Times, published April 27, 2002
If you don't believe gamefish become more active and chew better during solunar periods, kingfishing this week might convince you otherwise. The 28-pounder we caught in last weekend's tournament ate right on a "period." The 41-pounder landed by Tony Cellamare was the largest of several we caught Tuesday, all within an hour of the major solunar period. Thursday we couldn't get a bite before the 10:45 a.m. major period. Within an hour we had two mackerel, six kingfish and a 23-pound blackfin tuna.
Plan your trip around at least one solunar period and you might see increased productivity. Remember that minor periods can be equally effective, just not as long as the two-hour major.
Tarpon already are showing up in decent numbers. Several have been jumped at the Sunshine Skyway and as far up the bay as Rocky Point. Those getting a jumpstart on the traditional May-July season have enjoyed some success inside Pass-a-Grille. What began as a day of trout fishing the flats near the Renaissance Vinoy ended in an epic battle for Kenny Kleber and 14-year-old Bryan Crisp. The pair battled an estimated 130-pounder on 8-pound test for 21/2 hours.
Crystal clear water may force us to lighten tackle for kingfishing this weekend. Twelve- to 16-pound test will get more bites than heavier stuff, and dropping down a size or two of leader wire could make a difference.
-- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.