Finding tarpon has not been difficult. Getting them to eat has. Small pods can be found moving along our beaches, with larger schools hanging near passes and barrier islands.

Having a variety of baits will increase the odds of a hookup. Threadfins, scaled sardines, pinfish, shad and crabs make up the grocery list for tarpon. The presentation of these baits seems to be the key. On several occasions we have observed boats motor right up to rolling fish, throw out their baits and say, "They just won't bite."

A quieter approach is needed. Try drifting in and presenting the baits naturally. Tarpon are not accustomed to dinner being dropped in from the sky. Let the fish find your bait as they come to it, or let it drift in with the tide.

Anchoring can be effective, as several different presentations can be done at once. In this case, rod holders become important. Try placing a couple of dead shad on the bottom, along with a couple of free-lined live baits on the surface. Using a cork on one live bait may help keep it from becoming entangled with the other. Next, hold a rod with a bait ready to be cast ahead of any tarpon that swims within range.

This technique allows you to sit silently and cover everything on the menu, top to bottom.

-- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.

Back to Sports

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times sports desk

Darrell Fry

Road shows Zook at his active best

Golf
Tiger takes aim at a rare major double

Enthusiasm of N.Y. fans impressive

Olympics
Bay area tryouts give rise to Winter Olympic dreams

Baseball
Two show value of perseverance

Stanley Cup
Red Wing's play speaks volumes

Boxing
Lewis-Tyson bout raises as many questions as it answers

Outdoors
Daily fishing report

World Cup
Third shutout sends France home

Defender likely done for event

Preps
Northeast grabs title with another shutout

Miller takes new pole in hope of new height

Marion, Corbin place at Golden West

Northeast graduate has one last chance

Around Hillsborough

Rays
Bierbrodt 'lucky' to be alive

Rays roll behind 9-run fifth

Later, Sandberg still incredulous

Rays extra

From the wire

From the state sports wire Jacksonville's Spicer placed on IR after leg surgery
FIU-Western Kentucky game postponed because of Jeanne
Brown anxious to face old team for first time
Dolphins' desperate defense readies for Roethlisberger
Former Sarasota lineman sheds tough-guy image with Michigan
Rothstein rejoins Heat as assistant
No. 16 Florida has history on its side against Kentucky
FSU and Clemson QBs both off to slow starts