Weather conditions have stalled offshore activity in recent days, but easterly winds have spared those fishing the nearshore gulf waters. Clarity along the beaches has been good, and bait schools have been drawn in. Spanish mackerel have chased bait to shore, and king mackerel soon will follow.
On Tuesday schools of whitebait, greenbacks and Spanish sardines were tightly packed near the surface along the gulf pier at Fort DeSoto. Spanish mackerel have gathered there, and anglers have had 100-fish mornings.
On Wednesday captain Justin Mastry was surprised by a 30-pound king that skyrocketed and inhaled a blue runner beneath a balloon. In 22 feet of water off Blind Pass, the king was drawn in by live chumming. A second kingfish was caught the same way.
While waiting for good weather, prepare for the upcoming kingfish tournaments. Replace batteries and baitwell pumps before they break. Properly bend and sharpen gaff hooks, and change rusted or worn anchor chain and shackles. Bait motels should be mended if necessary, and cast nets should be patched.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
