Night might be the right time to tarpon fish this weekend. The most extreme tides of the month coupled with the brightness of tonight's full moon will incite the appetite of the picky silver king.
When fishing after dark, choose an area with structure. Tarpon are opportunists and know crabs and other baitfish congregate there. Our major bridges have long been productive after-hour spots. Deep-water passes also appeal to tarpon that gang up and wait to ambush bait that is funneled through by the swift tide.
From the subtle edge of an oyster bar to the peaks and valleys of an artificial reef, all will be havens for tarpon looking for a snack in Tampa Bay at night. The rock-laden edges of the channels into Port Tampa, Port Manatee and the Weedon Island Power Plant also are favorites.
When fishing the gulf beaches at night, anchor in the same depth you witnessed rolling fish in the daylight. The path tarpon use along the beach at night is the "edge." The depth will vary depending on the stretch of beach. It often is just outside the swim buoys. Seeking security on one side at least while traveling at night, tarpon often will cruise quite close to shore. Anchor close to the sandbar that runs parallel to the beach and adjust if all your bites come from the outside.
Charge your spotlight, take a snapper rod and get a GPS reading where you anchor.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
