Inshore fishing is beginning to pick up around Tarpon Springs. Flats temperatures are cooler than usual as a result of one of the rainiest Augusts on record. This is most noticeable around river mouths and other inshore outlets.
A sudden influx of large sardines also has helped anglers. Large pilchard herring, which were quite scarce most of the summer, can be caught on deep flats and dropoffs, especially at low tide. This is good news for fishermen targeting snook as large greenbacks are one of the best baits around. Snook season opens Sept. 1.
Plenty of other opportunities exist for anglers who want immediate and constant action. Large schools of jack crevalle are swarming the Anclote River. To get these bruisers fired up, anchor along any shoreline, oyster bar or dropoff. Toss a few handfuls of live sardines and wait for the frenzy. Jacks often are regarded as a junk species because they have little table value. However, pound for pound they are one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish. Jacks require little patience and are extremely easy to hook. These aspects make them a great species to target when you're fishing with children. I've yet to have a child complain about catching too many jacks.
- Capt. Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at 727 439-3474 or by e-mail at pkatsare@helios.acomp.usf.edu
