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© St. Petersburg Times, published May 16, 2002
Strong winds have pounded the Suncoast for days, forcing us to stay closer to shore. A 40-mile trip guarantees numerous blackfin tuna and kingfish from the many shrimp boats anchored due west of Clearwater, but no fish is worth the backbreaking experience.
Instead, I worked the 10-mile artificial reef called the Rube Allyn.
The south end of this mile-long fish haven contains magnificent concrete structures that rise 20 feet from the bottom (thanks to the old Clearwater Pass bridge). Hundreds of hungry barracuda congregate directly above, providing great entertainment. A slow-trolled blue runner is a sure ticket for a bite. On the outskirts of the reef plenty of bonito are available if threadfin herrings can be employed. Thrown in with all the action from cudas and bonitos, an occasional kingfish or an amberjack make the day a great success.
Many other man-made reefs contour our coastline at this 10-mile range and will hold the same gamefish. The reefs that hold big schools of baitfish normally are most productive.
Tarpon season has started early this year because of the warmer than normal temperatures. Pods can be located along the beaches within a 1/4-mile.
Expect more to come our way by next week.
-- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com.