There still are good numbers of tarpon along the Suncoast, but changing conditions have caused us to re-evaluate our strategy.
For weeks the gulf beaches from Clearwater to Longboat Key had been the most productive areas. Thunderstorms and Red Tide have dogged the near-shore waters of Manatee County and parts of Pinellas, forcing us into the bays.
Though some silverkings will continue to migrate along the beaches, it is common in August for many to roam into bays and backwaters. During the past week, we've jumped a half-dozen tarpon as far up Tampa Bay as the Howard Frankland Bridge and others have reported rolling fish north of the Courtney Campbell Parkway.
Areas around Gadsden and Mermaid points and the G-Cut section of the shipping channel will be good bets this month. On strong new moon tides, I like the hard bottom and rocky edges of the shipping lanes into Port Manatee, Port Tampa and the Weedon Island Power Plant.
Many area rivers, notably the Manatee, attract late-season tarpon. This year they may need time to recover from the flushing they got when dams were opened to reduce flooding.
Tarpon don't get as big as they are by watching what they eat. Any rock pile, oyster bar or artificial reef in the bay that holds bait could be where they are headed for their next meal.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
