Outdoors

Daily fishing report

Spanish mackerel have been inundating Tampa Bay daily on the incoming tide. Large macks in the 4-pound to 6-pound class are common. These fish will rip drag.

It is an ideal time to get youngsters into fishing. Light tackle, a big mackerel and a young angler could make someone a fisherman for life. Loose drags are imperative. Many fish will be foul-hooked and their skin tears easily. Finesse is key when fighting mackerel.

Look for schools of baitfish around range markers or in open water. Free-lined live bait with a long shank hook is preferred. If you are fishing around the Sunshine Skyway bridge, wire leader will give you a better chance with the occasional kingfish.

Snook has become more active. They are eagerly taking most live bait or traditional artificial lures. Greenbacks and shrimp or your favorite soft plastic jig will provide a great shot at a line-sider. They are coming to the outside edges of mangrove shorelines. Stealth approaches are essential for snook success in the shallows. Expect hooked fish to head for mangrove root systems.

Roving bands of redfish are making the scene. Look for mullet schools and fish in the middle of them for best results. The same lures and bait used for snook will yield nice reds.

-- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 831-0355 or www.snookfish.com.

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