Kingfish season is in full swing with kings up to 40 pounds being caught along the coast. Slow-trolled live bait is one of the best methods to produce smokers of more than 25 pounds. Egmont Channel markers, Blind Pass, Redington Beach and Clearwater hard bottom consistently produce big kings.
Big baits catch big kings. Blue runners, shad and ladyfish are effective big kingfish meals. Successful tournament fishermen use six lines, light tackle and down riggers to cover the water column. Kingfish take long, fast runs then settle down and circle your boat until you can get the fish to the surface. Light drag settings are a must and will produce more fish. Check the solunar feeding charts and make sure you fish during the major or minor feeding period.
Sailfish and blackfin tuna have been caught lately and are usually a byproduct when king fishing. Tuna and sails have been caught in more than 60 feet. Target the bait schools and anchored shrimp boats offshore for blackfin tuna action. Anchor over a good hard-bottom area, cut Spanish sardines into 1-inch pieces and start a chunkline. Chunking is an effective way to chum up tuna, as well as kingfish.
Grouper and mangrove snapper fishing in 90 feet also has been excellent. Work ledges and hard-bottom areas holding bait schools. The bite is immediate and aggressive. Live bait is the key. Mangrove snappers are large, up to 8 pounds. Give each area about 20 minutes, then move to the next location.
- Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call (727) 709-9396.
[Last modified April 6, 2003, 01:16:49]
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